Damper placement for spaceborne interferometers using H∞ -norm optimization

A general methodology for damper placement in spaceborne interferometers is introduced. The process consists of combined structural/optical/damper modeling, H_∞ cost selection, and genetic algorithm or simulated annealing optimization. Combined structural/optical modeling allows the ability to quantitatively predict the effect of mechanical disturbances on optical performance metrics. H _∞ cost allows for the consideration of multiple dissimilar disturbance inputs and multiple dissimilar performance outputs, as well as consideration of worst-case analysis. Genetic algorithms and simulated annealing allow for an efficient search of a high-dimensional optimization space. A numerical example is shown to demonstrate the methodology. A comparison of placement of a finite number of passive dampers using genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, and exhaustive search is considered