Frequency stabilization for space-based missions using optical fiber interferometry
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Updated: May 14, 2026

Implementation of a Reference Interferometer for Nanodetection
Published on: April 26, 2014
Terry G McRae1, Silvie Ngo, Daniel A Shaddock
1National Measurement Institute, Lindfield, New South Wales, Australia. terry.mcrae@measurement.gov.au
Abstract:
We present measurement results for a laser frequency reference, implemented with an all-optical fiber Michelson interferometer, down to frequencies as low as 1 mHz. Optical fiber is attractive for space-based operations as it is physically robust, small and lightweight. The small free spectral range of fiber interferometers also provides the possibility to prestabilize two lasers on two distant spacecraft and ensures that the beatnote remains within the detector bandwidth. We demonstrate that these fiber interferometers are viable candidates for future laser-based gravity recovery and climate experiment missions requiring a stability of 30 Hz/√Hz over a 10 mHz-1 Hz bandwidth.
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