White light fringe estimation: algorithms, error sources and mitigation strategies

This paper addresses the problem of highly accurate phase estimation at low light levels, as required by the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM). Most conventional phase estimation algorithms exhibit significant bias at the signal levels and requirements at which SIM will be operating. Several algorithms are analyzed, and methods for compensating for their bias are developed. Another source of error in phase estimation occurs because the phase is not constant over the integration period. Errors due to spacecraft motion, motion of compensating optical elements, and modulation errors are analyzed and simulated