We present a straight forward and practical method for joining pneumatically floated optical tables with no
previous preparation. In order to demonstrate this method we joined two optical tables in an uncentered "T-shape"
using twenty four stainless steel plates (SSP), and used a Michelson interferometer to compare the stability
of the entire "T"-structure versus one of its parts alone, finding that they both show similar rigidity. We also
evaluated the performance of two different master-salve leg configurations by calculating the stress on the joint
and confirmed the calculations by Michelson interferometry. In terms of floor vibration damping, it was observed
that the performance of the system for the joined "T"-table seemed to be comparable to that of a single segment.
This method can significantly reduce costs of large optical tables and will be useful to extend existing optical
tables without manufacturer modification.
We present a simple and practical method for joining pneumatically floated optical tables. In order to demonstrate
this method we joined two optical tables in an uncentered "T-shape", and used a Michelson interferometer to
compare the stability of the entire "T-structure" versus one of its parts alone finding that they both show similar
rigidity. We also found the optimal master-slave leg configuration by calculating the stress on the joint and
confirmed the calculations by Michelson interferometry. The vibration damping for the "T-structure" against
the unjoined tables was measured finding comparable results. This method can significantly reduce costs of large
optical tables and will be useful to extend existing optical tables without manufacturer modification.
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