Ultra-Stable Structures Lab (USS)

The Astro 2020 Decadal Survey has recommended technology and pre-formulation efforts for a 6-meter class Ultraviolet Optical Infrared telescope which is stable for high contrast observations of Exoplanets and general astrophysics. Here we report on progress on an ultra-stable test system and a series of picometer scale metrology demonstrations using High Speed Interferometry to achieve new levels of thermal control and new methods of calibration along with small scale demonstrations of mirror and structure components. Here we review the history of these efforts and recent ultra-stable measurements of a glass test article including thermal control and optical stability. We will summarize the challenge and progress of making drift measurements and report on recent progress in thermal control and glass ultrastability control that could have implications for future systems. We will close with a discussion of implications of these results to future efforts.