Software for Modeling Dynamics of Optical Interferometers

The Single Mode Acquisition Code (SMAC) computer program mathematically models the optical, mechanical, and electronic dynamics of high-finesse, long-baseline, multiple-cavity optical interferometers like those used in gravity-wave detectors. Dynamical situations that can be simulated include those that involve noise and/or multiple modulation frequencies and side-bands. SMAC includes components for modeling the dynamics of cavity-control servomechanisms, electronic closed-loop servo control subsystems, and synchronous-detection electronic circuitry. Nonlinear time-domain models are incorporated for use in design- ing and testing lock-acquisition controllers. Once lock has been achieved, small-amplitude transfer functions represent cavity signals adequately. SMAC provides a graphical user interface for defining problems and controlling execution with respect to the problems. SMAC also provides extensive pre- and post-processing support.