[Thesis] Accurate and Precise Calibration of Advanced LIGO Detectors in the Era of Gravitational Wave Astronomy

Document #:

LIGO-P1900127-v1

Document type:

P - Publications

Abstract:

This dissertation discusses the implementation and characterization of a radiation-pressure-based calibration system called the Photon calibrator that is used as the primary calibration reference for the Advanced LIGO detectors. It also discusses the techniques and procedures used to realize sub-percent accuracy calibration of absolute displacement fiducials introduced using the Photon calibrator system during Advanced LIGO s first and second observing runs.

This dissertation also discusses the calibration errors introduced by test mass deformations caused by calibration forces at frequencies above 1 kHz. The errors, estimated using Finite Element Analysis, is in reasonable agreement with measurement results in the 1 to 5 kHz band.

Files in Document:

• Dissertation_SKarki.pdf (11.9 MB)

Other Files:

• DefenseSlides.pdf (43.8 MB)

Topics:

• Calibration
• Auxiliary Optics

Author Groups:

• LSC

Referenced by:

• LIGO-E1500442: aLIGO, CAL, Publications