An integrated model validation study of the wave front tip/tilt system using the micro-precision interferometer testbed

This paper presents a validation study of a specific integrated modeling methodology which is a candidate tool for modeling complex opto-mechanical systems such as spaceborne interferometers. The methodology integrates structural, optical, and control system modeling into a common environment: the Integrated Modeling of Optical Systems (IMOS) software package. This study is one of many from a planned sequence that uses the micro-precision interferometer (MPI) testbed, which is a ground-based, full-scale hardware model of a spaceborne interferometer. Parallel development of the MPI testbed and an IMOS model of MPI enabled a unique opportunity to validate the modeling methodology with actual measurements from the test article. This particular study assesses the ability of the MPI IMOS model to predict the performance of the MPI wave front tip/tilt system. The current validation was done in the open loop optics, hard mounted disturbance configuration. Results demonstrate MPI IMOS model predictions that are within a factor of 3 of the testbed measurements.