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General description of the etalon cell

Each etalon appears physically as a circular black cell containing a pair of coated glass plates. Towards the top of the cell is a flange, in which the following sets of holes are drilled:

1. Two small holes (diameter approx 5mm) on opposite sides of the flange. These are used to attach the etalon handling tool to the etalon.

2. Three slightly larger holes (diameter approx 9mm) equally spaced (i.e. 120 degrees apart) around the flange. These are used to bolt the etalon to the etalon wheel.

3. Three more holes (diameter approx 10mm) equally spaced (i.e. 120 degrees apart) around the flange. These contain adjusting screws, used to align the etalon. The adjusting screws locate in kinematic mounts in the etalon wheel.

On the side of the etalon cell is a connector block to which various electrical connections are made. A schematic diagram of the connector block, showing the function of the various connectors, is shown in Figure 3.