High-precision ground measurement technology research for measuring pointing deviation in space-based gravitational wave detection telescopes

Since the groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves, the scientific community has fervently pursued the exploration of low-frequency gravitational waves to glean deeper insights into the cosmos. The inherent limitations of ground-based conditions, however, pose formidable challenges for detectors in capturing gravitational waves below the 1 Hz threshold. Consequently, the imperative has shifted toward the deployment of space-based gravitational wave detectors as the paramount solution for effective low-frequency gravitational wave detection. At the crux of space-based gravitational wave detection lies the pivotal role of spaceborne telescopes. Given the expansive transmission distances spanning magnitudes of 10⁹ m between celestial constellations, the demand for nanoradian-level precision in telescope pointing accuracy becomes non-negotiable. The concomitant necessity for high-precision measurements and calibration emerges as a prerequisite for achieving the exacting standards of pointing accuracy in spaceborne telescopes dedicated to gravitational wave detection. To ameliorate the deleterious effects of pointing deviations on gravitational wave detection, this study strategically optimizes key parameters, including microlens structures, detector selection, and algorithmic frameworks, thereby achieving a breakthrough in high-precision pointing deviation measurements. Leveraging a low-density microlens array with extended sub-aperture focal lengths enhances the spatial scale of the light spot within each sub-aperture. This, coupled with detectors boasting a high signal-to-noise ratio, synergistically elevates the pointing detection accuracy of each discrete lens. Moreover, the paper introduces an innovative, Hartmann principle-based methodology for high-precision pointing deviation measurements, deploying a spatially reused paradigm across multiple sub-apertures. By aggregating measurement results from diverse sub-apertures, the approach effectively mitigates the influence of assorted random errors on measurement accuracy, thereby markedly enhancing the precision of pointing deviation measurements. Illustrating the efficacy of these methodologies, the paper exemplifies their application within the ambit of the "Tianqin Plan" for space-based gravitational wave detection. Employing numerical simulations and factoring in the design parameters of the Hartmann sensor, the study performs a meticulous analysis of pointing deviation measurement accuracy. Comparative analysis between single sub-aperture and sub-aperture correlation reuse technologies reveals a compelling enhancement in measurement accuracy, approximating a sevenfold improvement with the latter. The pointing deviation measurement accuracy achieved through sub-aperture correlation reuse technology is quantified at approximately 18.81 nanoradians. Considering the optical magnification inherent in spaceborne telescopes, estimated at around 30 times, the resultant pointing deviation measurement accuracy reaches an impressive 0.62 nanoradians. This design precision significantly surpasses the stipulated 1 nanoradian accuracy requirement for ground-based gravitational wave pointing deviation measurements. As a prudential measure, the proposed design incorporates a substantial margin to accommodate potential accuracy diminution attributable to external perturbations during empirical testing.