Validation of Phase Extraction Precision Based on Ultra-Stable Hexagonal Optical Bench for Space-Borne Gravitational Wave Detection

As one of the key payloads for space-borne gravitational wave detection (SGWD), the phasemeter is primarily responsible for conducting phase measurements of heterodyne signals. A phase extraction precision at the micro-radian level constitutes a crucial performance metric for intersatellite heterodyne interferometry. In this work, an ultra-stable hexagonal optical bench was developed using hydroxide-catalysis bonding technology. Different beat-notes were generated in accordance with the requirements of four experimental stages, which were applied to simulate the main beat-note of the inter-satellite scientific interferometer, thereby verifying the phase measurement performance of the phasemeter for beat-notes. Experimental results demonstrate that the phase extraction precision meets the index requirement of $2\pi \mu \mathrm{rad}/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$ for SGWD missions. Based on the test environment of the ultra-stable hexagonal optical bench, the feasibility of the phasemeter’s core phase measurement function was verified, laying a solid foundation for subsequent research on its auxiliary functions and extended tests.