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The laser interferometer space antenna (LISA) uses laser interferometry to measure gravitational wave-induced distance changes between freely falling test masses on separate spacecraft. In practice, the space-borne gravitational wave detector operates in a plasma medium, and subsequently, the variations in electron density affect the refractive index and add displacement noise to measurements. Geometric time-delay interferometry (TDI) is the TDI combinations searched by geometric method, which is employed to mitigate overwhelming laser phase noise. This study explores all forty-five second-generation geometric TDI combinations up to sixteen links, analyzing plasma noise effects via power spectral density and cross-spectral density calculations for different optical links. Our findings reveal that plasma noise can exceed the noise floor, which comprises optical metrology system and test mass acceleration noise, in certain low-frequency regions due to different noise transfer behaviors. Further, we establish electron density requirements for various TDI combinations, showing that densities below 100 cm − 3 / Hz @ 10 mHz satisfy LISA's criteria across all forty-five combinations. This allows for optimized TDI selection based on specific plasma densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is planning to construct a new space-borne gravitational-wave (GW) observatory, the TianQin project, in which the spaceborne telescope is an important component in laser interferometry. The telescope is aimed to transmit laser beams between the spacecrafts for the measurement of the displacements between proof-masses in long arms. The telescope should have ultra-small wavefront deviation to minimize noise caused by pointing error, ultra-stable structure to minimize optical path noise caused by temperature jitter, ultra-high stray light suppression ability to eliminate background noise. In this paper, we realize a telescope system design with ultra-stable structure as well as ultra-low wavefront distortion for the space-based GW detection mission. The design requirements demand extreme control of high image quality and extraordinary stray light suppression ability. Based on the primary aberration theory, the initial structure design of the mentioned four-mirror optical system is explored. After optimization, the maximum RMS wavefront error is less than λ /300 over the full field of view, which meets the noise budget on the telescope design. The stray light noise caused by the back reflection of the telescope is also analyzed. The noise at the position of optical bench is less than 10âˆ'10 of the transmitted power, satisfying the requirements of space GW detection. We believe that our design can be a good candidate for TianQin project, and can also be a good guide for the space telescope design in any other similar science project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laser interferometer space antenna (LISA) will open the signal-rich 100Â ÎĽ Hz to 1Â Hz gravitational wave window. LISA is expected to be limited by acceleration noise in the low frequency range and noise associated with the optical measurement system above a few mHz. Of the latter, apparent length changes due to spacecraft (SC) angular jitter are among the most critical contributors. One of the coupling mechanisms is via wavefront error in the transmitted beam. Utilizing a Zernike polynomial decomposition of such wavefront error, we introduce and explore the validity of extremely fast best fit polynomial expansion based noise recreation tools that provide a clear picture for which transmit beam perturbations couple most strongly with SC jitter into LISA noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is highly desirable for future measurements of Newton’s gravitational constant G to use test/source masses that allow nondestructive, quantitative internal density gradient measurements. High density optically transparent materials are ideally suited for this purpose since their density gradient can be measured with laser interferometry, and they allow in-situ optical metrology methods for the critical distance measurements often needed in a G apparatus. We present an upper bound on possible internal density gradients in lead tungstate (PbWO4) crystals determined using a laser interferometer. We placed an upper bound on the fractional atomic density gradient in two PbWO4 test crystals of 1 ρ d ρ d x < 2.1 Ă— 1 0 âˆ' 8 cmâˆ'1. This value is more than two orders of magnitude smaller than what is required for G measurements. They are also consistent with but more sensitive than a recently reported measurements of the same samples, using neutron interferometry. These results indicate that PbWO4 crystals are well suited to be used as test masses in G experiments. Future measurements of internal density gradients of test masses used for measurements of G can now be conducted non-destructively for a wide range of possible test masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space-based gravitational wave detection aims to measure gravitational waves with strains of down to 10−20 in 10−4 Hz ∼ 1 Hz frequency band. In order to achieve this measurement sensitivity, inter-satellite laser interferometry with picometer precision for an armlength of 108 ∼ 109 m is required. However, the coupling of the transmitting-beam misalignment and the wavefront distortion results in a non-negligible measurement error of intersatellite laser interferometry. Considering a wavefront distortion model composed of the first 55 terms of Zernike polynomials, we analyze the coupling effect of beam misalignment and wavefront distortion in both analytical and numerical methods. Calculation results show that the position of the stationary point is mainly determined by defocus, astigmatism and coma of the wavefront distortion of the transmitting beam. Moreover, a large defocus and small coma are preferred to achieve a better alignment of the stationary pointing direction with the inter-satellite line-of-sight, such that the coupling noise and received laser power can be optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of Michelson interferometers to weak plane gravitational waves is computed at one order of accuracy beyond the eikonal equation. The modulation of the electromagnetic field amplitude and polarisation are taken into account by solving the transport equations of geometrical optics with boundary conditions adapted to laser interferometry. Considering both DC and balanced homodyne readout schemes, explicit formulae for the interferometer output signals are derived. These signals comprise perturbations of the optical path length, frequency and amplitude, and are shown to be insensitive to polarisation perturbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atom interferometry is a promising tool for the detection of the gravitational wave (GW) in the mid-frequency band ranging from 0.01 Hz to 10 Hz. Particularly, the multi-arm atom interference detectors can help to extract better data with the removal of fake detection. The existing models for GW detection with atom interferometry, however, are mainly focused on the one-dimensional situation, and cannot be directly applied to the multi-arm frame of the GW detection. In this work, we develop a universal theoretical model for GW detectors based on atom interferometry, in which the eikonal equation under general relativity is adopted to calculate the perturbation of the GW on light propagation, and the dependence of the response function on the azimuth is also discussed. We further analyze the dominant noise sources, which limits the detection capabilities of detector. This work provides a complete model for GW detection with atom interferometry, with the ability to analyze the performance of the multi-arm atom interference detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles charge gold-platinum, free-falling test masses (TMs) on board interferometers for the detection of gravitational waves in space. The charging process induces spurious forces on the test masses that affect the sensitivity of these instruments mainly below 10−3 Hz. Geant4 and FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations were carried out to study the TM charging process on board the LISA Pathfinder mission that remained into orbit around the Sun–Earth Lagrange point L1 between 2016 and 2017. While a good agreement was observed between simulations and measurements of the TMs net charging, the shot noise associated with charging fluctuations of both positive and negative particles resulted 3–4 times higher that predicted. The origin of this mismatch was attributed to the propagation of electrons and photons only above 100 eV in the simulations. In this paper, low-energy electromagnetic processes to be included in the future Monte Carlo simulations for LISA and LISA-like space interferometers TM charging are considered. It is found that electrons and photons below 100 eV give a contribution to the effective charging comparable to that of the whole sample of particles above this energy. In particular, for incident protons ionization contributes twice with respect to low energy kinetic emission and electron backscattering. The other processes are found to play a negligible role. For heavy nuclei only sputtering must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gravitational waves (GWs) were observed for the first time in 2015, one century after Einstein predicted their existence. There is now growing interest to extend the detection bandwidth to low frequency. The scientific potential of multi-frequency GW astronomy is enormous as it would enable to obtain a more complete picture of cosmic events and mechanisms. This is a unique and entirely new opportunity for the future of astronomy, the success of which depends upon the decisions being made on existing and new infrastructures. The prospect of combining observations from the future space-based instrument LISA together with third generation ground based detectors will open the way toward multi-band GW astronomy, but will leave the infrasound (0.1–10 Hz) band uncovered. GW detectors based on matter wave interferometry promise to fill such a sensitivity gap. We propose the European Laboratory for Gravitation and Atom-interferometric Research (ELGAR), an underground infrastructure based on the latest progress in atomic physics, to study space–time and gravitation with the primary goal of detecting GWs in the infrasound band. ELGAR will directly inherit from large research facilities now being built in Europe for the study of large scale atom interferometry and will drive new pan-European synergies from top research centers developing quantum sensors. ELGAR will measure GW radiation in the infrasound band with a peak strain sensitivity of at 1.7 Hz. The antenna will have an impact on diverse fundamental and applied research fields beyond GW astronomy, including gravitation, general relativity, and geology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the purpose of understanding how time delay interferometry (TDI) combinations can best be used for the characterization of LISA instrumental noise, we revisit their laser frequency noise cancellation properties. We have developed an algorithm to search for all possible combinations that suppress noise at the same level as the X, Y and Z classical combinations. The algorithm calculates delays using symbolic formulas that explicitly include velocities and accelerations of satellites up to the relevant order. In addition, once a combination has been identified, delays are verified by solving numerically the relevant equations using Keplerian orbits and Shapiro delay corrections. We find that the number of combinations that suppress the noise is larger than what was reported in the literature. In particular we find that some combinations that were thought to only partly suppress the noise, in reality do suppress it at the same level of accuracy as the basic X, Y and Z combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground-based gravitational-wave detectors are based on high precision laser interferometry. One promising technique to improve the detector’s sensitivity is the detuning of an optical cavity, which enhances the signal at around certain frequencies for target astronomical sources. The detuning, however, involves technical noise due to an asymmetry of the control sidebands, which includes photo-detector noise and oscillator-phase noise. Here, we introduce a solution to reduce the two kinds of excess noise using an amplitude-modulation sideband that compensates the asymmetry. The solution is planned to be implemented in the Japanese second-generation gravitational-wave detector KAGRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most significant limits to the sensitivity of current, and future, long-baseline interferometric gravitational wave detectors is thermal displacement noise of the test masses and their suspensions. This paper reports results of analytical and experimental studies of the limits to thermal noise performance of cryogenic silicon test mass suspensions set by two constraints on suspension fibre dimensions: the minimum dimensions required to allow conductive cooling for extracting incident laser beam heat deposited in the mirrors; and the minimum dimensions of fibres (set by their tensile strength) which can support test masses of the size envisaged for use in future detectors. We report experimental studies of breaking strength of silicon ribbons, and resulting design implications for the feasibility of suspension designs for future gravitational wave detectors using silicon suspension fibres. We analyse the implication of this study for thermal noise performance of cryogenically cooled silicon suspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive black hole binaries (MBHBs) are unavoidable outcomes of the hierarchical structure formation process, and, according to the theory of general relativity, are expected to be the loudest gravitational wave (GW) sources in the Universe. In this paper I provide a broad overview of MBHBs as GW sources. After reviewing the basics of GW emission from binary systems and of MBHB formation, evolution and dynamics, I describe in some details the connection between binary properties and the emitted gravitational waveform. Direct GW observations will provide an unprecedented wealth of information about the physical nature and the astrophysical properties of these extreme objects, allowing to reconstruct their cosmic history, dynamics and coupling with their dense stellar and gaseous environment. In this context I describe ongoing and future efforts to make a direct detection with space based interferometry and pulsar timing arrays, highlighting the invaluable scientific payouts of such enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interferometric detectors will very soon give us an unprecedented view of the gravitational-wave sky, and in particular of the explosive and transient Universe. Now is the time to challenge our theoretical understanding of short-duration gravitational-wave signatures from cataclysmic events, their connection to more traditional electromagnetic and particle astrophysics, and the data analysis techniques that will make the observations a reality. This paper summarizes the state of the art, future science opportunities, and current challenges in understanding gravitational-wave transients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interferometric gravitational-wave detectors like LIGO, GE0600 and Virgo record a surplus of information above and beyond possible gravitational-wave events. These auxiliary channels capture information about the state of the detector and its surroundings which can be used to infer potential terrestrial noise sources of some gravitational-wave-like events. We present an algorithm addressing the ordering (or equivalently optimizing) of such information from auxiliary systems in gravitational-wave detectors to establish veto conditions in searches for gravitational-wave transients. The procedure was used to identify vetoes for searches for unmodeled transients by the LIGO and Virgo collaborations during their science runs from 2005 through 2007. In this work we present the details of the algorithm; we also use a limited amount of data from LIGO's past runs in order to examine the method, compare it with other methods, and identify its potential to characterize the instruments themselves. We examine the dependence of receiver operating characteristic curves on the various parameters of the veto method and the implementation on real data. We find that the method robustly determines important auxiliary channels, ordering them by the apparent strength of their correlations to the gravitational-wave channel. This list can substantially reduce the background of noise events in the gravitational-wave data. In this way it can identify the source of glitches in the detector as well as assist in establishing confidence in the detection of gravitational-wave transients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

eLISA is a space mission designed to measure gravitational radiation over a frequency range of 0.1-100 mHz (European Space Agency LISA Assessment Study Report 2011). It uses laser interferometry to measure changes of order 10 pm/ √ Hz in the separation of inertial test masses housed in spacecraft separated by 1 million km. LISA Pathfinder (LPF) is a technology demonstrator mission that will test the key eLISA technologies of inertial test masses monitored by laser interferometry in a drag-free spacecraft. The optical bench that provides the interferometry for LPF must meet a number of stringent requirements: the optical path must be stable at the few pm/ √ Hz level; it must direct the optical beams onto the inertial masses with an accuracy of better than ±25μm, and it must be robust enough not only to survive launch vibrations but to achieve full performance after launch. In this paper we describe the construction and testing of the flight optical bench for LISA Pathfinder that meets all the design requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

eLISA/NGO is a new gravitational wave detection proposal with arm length of 106 km and one interferometer down-scaled from LISA. Just like LISA and ASTROD-GW, in order to attain the requisite sensitivity for eLISA/NGO, laser frequency noise must be suppressed to below the secondary noises such as the optical path noise, acceleration noise, etc. In previous papers, we have performed the numerical simulation of the time delay interferometry (TDI) for LISA and ASTROD-GW with one arm dysfunctional by using the CGC 2.7 ephemeris. The results are well below their respective limits in which the laser frequency noise is required to be suppressed. In this paper, we follow the same procedure to simulate the time delay interferometry numerically. To do this, we work out a set of 1000-day optimized mission orbits of the eLISA/NGO spacecraft starting on 1 January 2021 using the CGC 2.7 ephemeris framework. We then use the numerical method to calculate the residual optical path differences in the second-generation TDI solutions as in our previous papers. Themaximum path length difference, for all configurations calculated, is below 13 mm (43 ps). It is well below the limit in which the laser frequency noise is required to be suppressed for eLISA/NGO.We compare and discuss the resulting differences due to the different arm lengths for various mission proposals-eLISA/NGO, an NGO-LISA-type mission with a nominal arm length of 2 × 106 km, LISA and ASTROD-GW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies worldwide are currently developing interferometric methods for detecting gravitational waves and one of the challenges in such methods has been to sufficiently cool the mirror in interferometric detectors in order to reduce thermal noise. Although the mirror is surrounded by a radiation shield, a hole in the shield is necessary to allow the laser beam to pass. To reduce the thermal radiation caused by the presence of the hole, we will install a duct shield with baffles. To calculate the heat input through the duct shield, we applied a ray trace model whose results were consistent with those of an experiment without baffles. As an application of our model, the heat input in the case of KAGRA (a Japanese cryogenic gravitational wave detector project) was calculated. Our analysis suggests that baffles in the duct shield can considerably reduce the heat input in KAGRA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser phase noise is the dominant noise source in the on-board measurements of the space-based gravitational wave detector LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna). A well-known data analysis technique, the so-called timedelay interferometry (TDI), provides synthesized data streams free of laser phase noise. At the same time, TDI also removes the next largest noise source: phase fluctuations of the on-board clocks which distort the sampling process. TDI needs precise information about the spacecraft separations, sampling times and differential clock noise between the three spacecrafts. These are measured using auxiliary modulations on the laser light. Hence, there is a need for algorithms that account for clock noise removal schemes combined with TDI while preserving the gravitational wave signal. In this paper, we will present the mathematical formulation of the LISA-like data streams and discuss a compliant algorithm that corrects for both clock and laser noise in the case of a rotating, non-breathing LISA constellation. In contrast to previous papers, we consider the current optical bench design (split interferometry configuration), i.e. the test mass readout is done by the local oscillators only, instead of reflecting the weak inter-spacecraft light off the test mass. Furthermore, the absolute order of laser frequencies is taken into account and it can be shown that the TDI equations remain invariant. This is a crucial issue and was, up to now, completely neglected in the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weak equivalence principle (WEP), that is, the universality of free fall, states that all point-like neutral particles in a gravitational field fall in the same way. This is the basis of the geometrization of the gravitational interaction. Together with further requirements on the behavior of point particles, light propagation and clocks one can show that gravity is modeled by a Riemannian geometry. Since in the quantum domain all objects are extended, it is not clear whether the notion of a WEP in the quantum domain makes sense at all. We show that for matter wave interferometry the notion ofWEP still can be given a meaning.We give a short overviewover schemes which allows a violation of the WEP and emphasize that there are also schemes which show that theremight be violations of theWEP in the quantum regime which are not present classically. This makes a test of the WEP with quantum matter necessary. We also give a brief outline of the efforts made for testing the WEP with interferometry with cold atoms in the Bremen drop tower carried out by the QUANTUS and PRIMUS collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we consider the role that metric fluctuations could have upon the properties of a Bose-Einstein condensate. In particular, we consider the Bogoliubov space associated with it and show that there are, at least, two independent ways in which the average size of these metric fluctuations could be, experimentally, determined. Indeed, we prove that the pressure and the speed of sound of the ground state define an expression allowing us to determine the average size of these fluctuations. Afterward, an interferometric experiment involving Bogoliubov excitations of the condensate and the pressure (or the speed of sound of the ground state) provides a second and independent way in which this average size could be determined, experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of stable, highly squeezed states of light has generated great interest in the gravitational wave community as a means for improving the quantum-noise-limited performance of advanced interferometric detectors. To confidently measure these squeezed states, it is first necessary to measure the shot-noise across the frequency band of interest. Technical noise, such as non-stationary events, beam pointing, and parasitic interference, can corrupt shot-noise measurements at low Fourier frequencies, below tens of kilo-hertz. In this paper we present a qualitative investigation into all of the relevant noise sources and the methods by which they can be identified and mitigated in order to achieve quantum noise limited balanced homodyne detection. Using these techniques, flat shot-noise down to Fourier frequencies below 0.5 Hz is produced. This enables the direct observation of large magnitudes of squeezing across the entire audio-band, of particular interest for ground-based interferometric gravitational wave detectors. 11.6 dB of shot-noise suppression is directly observed, with more than 10 dB down to 10 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AEI 10 m prototype will be an ultra-low displacement noise facility consisting of an L-shaped ultra-high vacuum system with about 10 m long arms, excellent seismic isolation, a well-stabilized high power laser and other advanced interferometry techniques. In the first round of experiments an interferometer to measure at the standard quantum limit of classical interferometry will be set up. This paper describes the status of the AEI 10 m prototype and its individual sub-systems as of April 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data quality assessment plays an essential role in the quest to detect gravitational wave signals in data from the LIGO and Virgo interferometric gravitational wave detectors. Interferometer data contain a high rate of noise transients from the environment, the detector hardware and the detector control systems. These transients severely limit the statistical significance of gravitational wave candidates of short duration and/or poorly modeled waveforms. This paper describes the data quality studies that have been performed in recent LIGO and Virgo observing runs to mitigate the impact of transient detector artifacts on the gravitational wave searches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The era of first-generation gravitational wave interferometric detectors is ending. No signals have been detected so far. However, remarkable results have been achieved: the design sensitivity has been approached (and in some cases even exceeded) together with the achievement of robustness and reliability; a world-wide network of detectors has been established; the data collected so far has allowed upper limits to be put on several types of sources; some secondgeneration technologies have been tested on these detectors. The scenario for the next few years is very exciting. The projects to upgrade LIGO and Virgo to second-generation interferometers, capable of increasing the detection rate by a factor of ∼1000, have been funded. The construction of Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo has started. GEO600 has started the upgrade to GEO HF, introducing light squeezing for the first time on a large detector. LCGT has been partly funded and the construction of the vacuum system is underway. There is a possibility that the third Advanced LIGO interferometer will be constructed in India. So, a powerful worldwide network could be in operation by the end of the decade. In this paper, we review the results achieved so far and the perspectives for the advanced detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides a new method for the absolute amplitude calibration of the GEO 600 interferometric gravitational wave detector. It is motivated by ongoing data analysis efforts carried out by the LIGO Scientific and Virgo Collaborations. Previously, arm length difference measurements of GEO 600 have been calibrated against the length of the first mode cleaner. Here, we re-evaluate this process, providing new measurements, and add a much simpler and more elegant method which calibrates against the laser wavelength. Since our calibration measurements involve injections of signals at least five orders of magnitude larger than possible gravitational wave signals, we also carry out a linearity check of the electrostatic drive (ESD) actuators used to make the injections. We find that these actuators exhibit no more than a 0.3% deviation from linearity over nearly six orders of magnitude. The new absolute amplitude calibration method that uses the laser wavelength as a length standard is shown here to be superior to the old one. Using this method, we show that the ESD gain over a two-year period varies by less than 4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a scenario for the very early universe in which there is a fast phase transition from a non-geometric, high temperature phase to a low temperature, geometric phase described by a classical solution to the Einstein equations. In spite of the absence of a classical metric, the thermodynamics of the high temperature phase may be described by making use of the holographic principle. The thermal spectrum of fluctuations in the high temperature phase manifests itself after the phase transition as a scale-invariant spectrum of fluctuations. A simple model of the phase transition confirms that the near scale invariance of the fluctuations is natural, but the model also withstands a detailed comparison with the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LISA mission is a space interferometer aiming at the detection of gravitational waves in the [10?4, 10?1] Hz frequency band. In order to reach the gravitational wave detection level, a time delay interferometry (TDI) method must be applied to get rid of (most of) the laser frequency noise and optical bench noise. This TDI analysis is carried out in terms of the coordinate time corresponding to the Barycentric Coordinate Reference System (BCRS), TCB, whereas the data at each of the three LISA stations are recorded in terms of each station proper time. We provide here the required proper time versus BCRS time transformation. We show that the difference in rate of station proper time versus TCB is of the order of 5 × 10?8. The difference between station proper times and TCB exhibits an oscillatory trend with a maximum amplitude of about 10?3s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an approach to experimentally evaluate gravity gradient noise, a potentially limiting noise source in advanced interferometric gravitational-wave detectors. In addition, the method can be used to provide sub-percent calibration in phase and amplitude. Knowledge of calibration to such certainties shall enhance the scientific output of the instruments in the case of an eventual detection of gravitational waves. The method relies on a rotating symmetrical two-body mass, a dynamic gravity field generator (DFG). The placement of the DFG in the proximity of one of the interferometer's suspended test masses generates a change in the local gravitational field detectable with current interferometric gravitational-wave detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Till date, the search for burst signals with resonant gravitational wave (GW) detectors has been done using the ?-function approximation for the signal, which was reasonable due to the very small bandwidth of these detectors. However, now with increased bandwidth (of the order of 10 or more Hz) and with the possibility of comparing results with interferometric GW detectors (broad-band), it is very important to exploit the resonant detectors' capability to detect also signals with specific wave shapes. As a first step, we present a study of the response of resonant GW detectors to damped sinusoids with given frequency and decay time and report on the development of a filter matched to these signals. This study is a preliminary step towards the comprehension of the detector response and of the filtering for signals such as the excitation of stellar quasi-normal modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We characterize the performance of a gravimeter and a gravity gradiometer based on the 1S0–3P0 clock transition of strontium atoms. We use this new quantum sensor to measure the gravitational acceleration with a relative sensitivity of after 150 s of integration time, representing the first realisation of an atomic interferometry gravimeter based on a single-photon transition. Various noise contributions to the gravimeter are measured and characterized, with the current primary limitation to sensitivity seen to be the intrinsic noise of the interferometry laser itself. In a gravity gradiometer configuration, a differential phase sensitivity of 1.53 rad was achieved at an artificially introduced differential phase of rad. We experimentally investigated the effects of the contrast and visibility based on various parameters and achieved a total interferometry time of 30 ms, which is longer than previously reported for such interferometers. The characterization and determined limitations of the present apparatus employing 88Sr atoms provides a guidance for the future development of large-scale clock-transition gravimeters and gravity gradiometers with alkali-earth and alkali-earth-like atoms (e.g. 87Sr, Ca, Yb, Cd). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a space-based gravity gradiometer based on cold atom interferometry and its potential for the Earth’s gravitational field mapping. The instrument architecture has been proposed in Carraz et al (2014 Microgravity Sci. Technol. 26 139) and enables high-sensitivity measurements of gravity gradients by using atom interferometers in a differential accelerometer configuration. We present the design of the instrument including its subsystems and analyze the mission scenario, for which we derive the expected instrument performances, the requirements on the sensor and its key subsystems, and the expected impact on the recovery of the Earth gravity field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observation of the shadows cast by the event horizon of black holes on the light emitted in its neighborhood is the target of current very-long-baseline-interferometric observations. When considering supermassive black holes, the light source is the black hole’s accretion disk, and therefore, the observation of the shadow may reveal information about the black hole and the accretion flow. We here study the shadows cast by stellar-mass black holes that are illuminated not by an accretion disk but by a stellar companion in a wide binary orbit. We calculate the shadows produced in such a configuration for the first time and show snapshots of the time-dependent shadow ‘movie’ that is generated. We also study the minimal criteria for detecting and resolving such shadows with very-long-baseline-interferometric observations. We find that one would need telescopes capable of resolving apparent magnitudes greater than 33 with baselines larger than 106 km. Therefore, although very-long-baseline-interferometric efforts such as the Event Horizon Telescope would not be able to detect these shadows, their detection is possible with future telescopes in the next few decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clocks play a special role at the interface of general relativity and quantum mechanics. We analyze a clock-interferometry thought experiment and go on to theoretically derive and experimentally test a complementarity relation for quantum clocks in the context of the gravitational time lag. The effect of time lag is simulated using a magnetic gradient. We study this relation in detail and discuss its application to various types of quantum clocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Final measurements and analysis are reported from the first-generation Holometer, the first instrument capable of measuring correlated variations in space-time position at strain noise power spectral densities smaller than a Planck time. The apparatus consists of two co-located, but independent and isolated, 40 m power-recycled Michelson interferometers, whose outputs are cross-correlated to 25 MHz. The data are sensitive to correlations of differential position across the apparatus over a broad band of frequencies up to and exceeding the inverse light crossing time, 7.6 MHz. By measuring with Planck precision the correlation of position variations at spacelike separations, the Holometer searches for faint, irreducible correlated position noise backgrounds predicted by some models of quantum space-time geometry. The first-generation optical layout is sensitive to quantum geometrical noise correlations with shear symmetry—those that can be interpreted as a fundamental noncommutativity of space-time position in orthogonal directions. General experimental constraints are placed on parameters of a set of models of spatial shear noise correlations, with a sensitivity that exceeds the Planck-scale holographic information bound on position states by a large factor. This result significantly extends the upper limits placed on models of directional noncommutativity by currently operating gravitational wave observatories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the entanglement structure of states dual to multiboundary wormhole geometries using tensor network models. Perfect and random tensor networks tiling the hyperbolic plane have been shown to provide good models of the entanglement structure in holography. We extend this by quotienting the plane by discrete isometries to obtain models of the multiboundary states. We show that there are networks where the entanglement structure is purely bipartite, extending results obtained in the large temperature limit. We analyse the entanglement structure in a range of examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model-independent statistical framework is presented to interpret data from systems where the mean time derivative of positional cross correlation between world lines, a measure of spreading in a quantum geometrical wave function, is measured with a precision smaller than the Planck time. The framework provides a general way to constrain possible departures from perfect independence of classical world lines, associated with Planck scale bounds on positional information. A parameterized candidate set of possible correlation functions is shown to be consistent with the known causal structure of the classical geometry measured by an apparatus, and the holographic scaling of information suggested by gravity. Frequency-domain power spectra are derived that can be compared with interferometer data. Simple projections of sensitivity for realistic experimental set-ups suggests that measurements will confirm or rule out a class of Planck scale departures from classical geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical rigidity will play an important role in improving the sensitivity of future generations of gravitational wave (GW) interferometers, which employ high laser power in order to reach and exceed the standard quantum limit. Several experiments have demonstrated the combined effect of two optical springs on a single system for very low-weight mirror masses or membranes. In this paper we investigate the complex interactions between multiple optical springs and the surrounding apparatus in a system of comparable dynamics to a large-scale GW detector. Using three 100 g mirrors to form a coupled cavity system capable of sustaining two or more optical springs, we demonstrate a number of different regimes of opto-mechanical rigidity and measurement techniques. Our measurements reveal couplings between each optical spring and the control loops that can affect both the achievable increase in sensitivity and the stability of the system. Hence this work establishes a better understanding of the realisation of these techniques and paves the way to their application in future GW observatories, such as upgrades to Advanced LIGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitivity of kilometer-scale terrestrial gravitational wave interferometers is limited by mirror coating thermal noise. Alternative interferometer topologies can mitigate the impact of thermal noise on interferometer noise curves. In this work, we explore the impact of introducing a single folding mirror into the arm cavities of dual-recycled Fabry–Perot interferometers. While simple folding alone does not reduce the mirror coating thermal noise, it makes the folding mirror the critical mirror, opening up a variety of design and upgrade options. Improvements to the folding mirror thermal noise through crystalline coatings or cryogenic cooling can increase interferometer range by as much as a factor of two over the Advanced LIGO reference design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although quantum radiation pressure noise could limit the sensitivity of the second-generation gravitational wave detectors, it has not been observed in a broad frequency band and its reduction methods have not been proven yet. A promising way to observe quantum radiation pressure noise is to store high power light in an optical cavity with a tiny mirror. However, anti-spring torque caused by radiation pressure of the light acting on the tiny mirror could make the system unstable, and it is generally difficult to attach actuators to the tiny mirror for stabilization. Hence a new method to overcome this anti-spring torque has been developed. In the new method, the other mirror of the cavity is controlled so that the position of the resonant light at the tiny mirror is fixed to decrease the anti-spring torque and stabilize angular motion of the tiny mirror. With the new method, it was successfully observed that the anti-spring torque caused by radiation pressure was suppressed in the present experiment with a 23 mg mirror, where resonant frequency of angular motion of the tiny mirror increased towards the mechanical resonant frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Planck scale quantum geometrical effects on measurements with interferometers is estimated with standard physics, and with a variety of proposed extensions. It is shown that effects are negligible in standard field theory with canonically quantized gravity. Statistical noise levels are estimated in a variety of proposals for nonstandard metric fluctuations, and these alternatives are constrained using upper bounds on stochastic metric fluctuations from LIGO. Idealized models of several interferometer system architectures are used to predict signal noise spectra in a quantum geometry that cannot be described by a fluctuating metric, in which position noise arises from holographic bounds on directional information. Predictions in this case are shown to be close to current and projected experimental bounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German–British laser-interferometric gravitational wave detector GEO 600 is in its 14th year of operation since its first lock in 2001. After GEO 600 participated in science runs with other first-generation detectors, a program known as GEO-HF began in 2009. The goal was to improve the detector sensitivity at high frequencies, around 1 kHz and above,with technologically advanced yet minimally invasive upgrades. Simultaneously, the detector would record science quality data in between commissioning activities. As of early 2014, all of the planned upgrades have been carried out and sensitivity improvements of up to a factor of four at the high-frequency end of the observation band have been achieved. Besides science data collection, an experimental program is ongoing with the goal to further improve the sensitivity and evaluate future detector technologies. We summarize the results of the GEO-HF program to date and discuss its successes and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical rigidity will play an important role in future generations of gravitational wave (GW) interferometers which employ high laser power in order to reach and exceed the standard quantum limit. Several experiments have demonstrated the optical spring effect for very low weight mirror masses. In this paper we extend this to a mass and frequency regime more directly applicable to GW detectors. Using a end mirror mass we demonstrate an optical spring resonant at and a stiffness of 9.4 ×105 N m−1. The to mass regime may also be useful for the application as a readout mirror for optical bar or optical lever configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TianQin is a proposal for a space-borne detector of gravitational waves in the millihertz frequencies. The experiment relies on a constellation of three drag-free spacecraft orbiting the Earth. Inter-spacecraft laser interferometry is used to monitor the distances between the test masses. The experiment is designed to be capable of detecting a signal with high confidence from a single source of gravitational waves within a few months of observing time. We describe the preliminary mission concept for TianQin, including the candidate source and experimental designs. We present estimates for the major constituents of the experiment’s error budget and discuss the project’s overall feasibility. Given the current level of technological readiness, we expect TianQin to be flown in the second half of the next decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of mechanical dissipation in silicon ribbons is important for the development of low noise silicon test mass suspension of the future interferometric gravitational wave detectors. Ribbon-like oscillators were fabricated in commercial silicon wafers using the anisotropic chemical wet etching technique. Results of measurement of the mechanical loss of such oscillators in the temperature range from 90 K to 300 K are presented. Suppression of thermoelastic loss down to at the temperature of about 124 K is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inelastic back-scattering of stray light is a long-standing and fundamental problem in high-sensitivity interferometric measurements and a potential limitation for advanced gravitational-wave (GW) detectors. The emerging parasitic interferences cannot be distinguished from a scientific signal via conventional single readout. In this work, we propose the subtraction of inelastic back-scatter signals by employing dual homodyne detection on the output light, and demonstrate it for a table-top Michelson interferometer. The additional readout contains solely parasitic signals and is used to model the scatter source. Subtraction of the scatter signal reduces the noise spectral density and thus improves the measurement sensitivity. Our scheme is qualitatively different from the previously demonstrated vetoing of scatter signals and opens a new path for improving the sensitivity of future GW detectors and other back-scatter limited devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new geometry for electrostatic actuators to be used in sensitive laser interferometers, suited for prototype and table top experiments related to gravitational wave detection with mirrors of 100 g or less. The arrangement consists of two plates at the sides of the mirror (test mass), and therefore does not reduce its clear aperture as a conventional electrostatic drive (ESD) would do. Using the sample case of the AEI-10 m prototype interferometer, we investigate the actuation range and the influence of the relative misalignment of the ESD plates with respect to the test mass. We find that in the case of the AEI-10 m prototype interferometer, this new kind of ESD could provide a range of 0.28 μm when operated at a voltage of 1 kV. In addition, the geometry presented is shown to provide a reduction factor of about 100 in the magnitude of the actuator motion coupling to the test mass displacement. We show that therefore in the specific case of the AEI-10 m interferometer, it is possible to mount the ESD actuators directly on the optical table without spoiling the seismic isolation performance of the triple stage suspension of the main test masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waveguide mirrors (WGMs) possess nano-structured surfaces which can potentially provide a significant reduction in thermal noise over conventional dielectric mirrors. To avoid introducing additional phase noise from the motion of the mirror transverse to the reflected light, however, they must possess a mechanism to suppress the phase effects associated with the incident light translating across the nano-structured surface. It has been shown that with carefully chosen parameters this additional phase noise can be suppressed. We present an experimental measurement of the coupling of transverse to longitudinal displacements in such a WGM designed for 1064 nm light. We place an upper limit on the level of measured transverse to longitudinal coupling of one part in seventeen thousand with 95% confidence, representing a significant improvement over a previously measured grating mirror. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important challenges in cryogenic interferometric gravitational wave detectors is to reduce the undesirable thermal radiation coming through holes in the radiation shield, which are necessary for the laser beam to pass through. For this purpose, pipe-shaped radiation shields called duct shields are used. Here, we have manufactured duct shields for KAGRA in Japan, one of the cryogenic interferometric gravitational wave detectors, and measured the thermal radiation coming through the duct shields. The measured result was found to be consistent with the calculation result that the duct shield can reduce the thermal radiation to less than 1%. This fact confirmed that the amount of thermal radiation coming through the duct shields was smaller than KAGRA’s requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central challenge in gravitational wave astronomy is identifying weak signals in the presence of non-stationary and non-Gaussian noise. The separation of gravitational wave signals from noise requires good models for both. When accurate signal models are available, such as for binary Neutron star systems, it is possible to make robust detection statements even when the noise is poorly understood. In contrast, searches for ‘un-modeled’ transient signals are strongly impacted by the methods used to characterize the noise. Here we take a Bayesian approach and introduce a multi-component, variable dimension, parameterized noise model that explicitly accounts for non-stationarity and non-Gaussianity in data from interferometric gravitational wave detectors. Instrumental transients (glitches) and burst sources of gravitational waves are modeled using a Morlet–Gabor continuous wavelet frame. The number and placement of the wavelets is determined by a trans-dimensional reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. The Gaussian component of the noise and sharp line features in the noise spectrum are modeled using the BayesLine algorithm, which operates in concert with the wavelet model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]