A vibration-damping platform for interferometric applications

Michelson Interferometry setups such as those used for holography require a very stable vibration free platform. The maximum permitted vibration amplitude for holography, for instance, is λ/10 where λ is the wavelength of the light used. This requirement is quite stringent. Michelson interferometer experiments also require vibrationally stable platforms where it is required to count fringes. We have attempted to set up an indigenous vibration damping platform and characterize its stability with help of a Michelson interferometric technique. The stability of the platform was determined in terms of attenuation of a shock applied near the base of the platform. Using a pair of accelerometer sensors, we have attempted to measure the magnitude of damping. The vibration damping platform was observed to dampen stray vibrations transmitted from the floor adequately to permit interferometric measurements. In the present paper, the construction details of this indigenous damping platform and the measurements related to shock attenuation by this table are presented.