Initial Results from the LIGO Newtonian Calibrator

Document #:

LIGO-P1900244-v12

Document type:

P - Publications

Abstract:

The precise calibration of the strain readout of the LIGO gravitational wave observatories is paramount to the accurate interpretation of gravitational wave events. This calibration is traditionally done by imparting a known force on one of the test masses of the interferometer via radiation pressure. Here we describe the implementation of an alternative calibration scheme: the Newtonian Calibrator. This system uses a rotor consisting of both quadrupole and hexapole mass distributions to apply a time-varying gravitational force on the test mass. The force produced by this rotor can be predicted to \( 1\% \) relative uncertainty and is well resolved in the readout of the interferometer. This system currently acts as a cross-check of the existing absolute calibration system.

Git document repository here: https://git.ligo.org/timesh.mistry/ncal-publication

Published 27 October 2021
Cite as: https://journals.aps.org/prd/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevD.104.082006
arXiv version:
https://arxiv.org/abs/2107.00141

Files in Document:

• LIGO_NCal_InitialResults.pdf (4.8 MB)

Topics:

• Basic R&D
• Sensing and Control
• A+ Project
• Calibration

Authors:

• Michael Ross
• Timesh Mistry
• Laurence Datrier
• Jeffrey Kissel
• Krishna Venkateswara
• Colin Weller
• Edward Daw
• Martin Hendry
• Jens Gundlach

Related Documents:

• LIGO-E2000214: aLIGO, CAL, NCAL, Essential Technical Notes

Referenced by:

• LIGO-E1500442: aLIGO, CAL, Publications