We assess the science reach and technical feasibility of a satellite mission based on precision atomic sensors configured to detect gravitational radiation. Conceptual advances in the past three years indicate that a two-satellite constellation with science payloads consisting of atomic sensors based on laser cooled atomic Sr can achieve scientifically interesting gravitational wave strain sensitivities in a frequency band between the LISA and LIGO detectors, roughly 30 mHz to 10 Hz. The discovery potential of the proposed instrument ranges from from observation of new astrophysical sources (e.g. black hole and neutron star binaries) to searches for cosmological sources of stochastic gravitational radiation and searches for dark matter.
The gravitational wave detector of higher sensitivity and greater bandwidth in kilohertz window is required for future gravitational wave astronomy and cosmology. Here we present a new type broadband high frequency laser interferometer gravitational wave detector utilizing polarization of light as signal carrier. Except for Fabry-Perot cavity arms we introduce dual power recycling to further amplify the gravitational wave signals. A novel method of weak measurement amplification is used to amplify signals for detection and to guarantee the long-term run of detector. Equipped with squeezed light, the proposed detector is shown sensitive enough within the window from 300Hz to several kHz, making it suitable for the study of high frequency gravitational wave sources. With the proposed detector added in the current detection network, we show that the ability of exploring binary neutron stars merger physics be significantly improved. The detector presented here is expected to provide an alternative way of exploring the possible ground-based gravitational wave detector for the need of future research.
The detection of gravitational waves from compact binary mergers by LIGO has opened the era of gravitational wave astronomy, revealing a previously hidden side of the cosmos. To maximize the reach of the existing LIGO observatory facilities, we have
designed a new instrument that will have 5 times the range of Advanced LIGO, or greater than 100 times the event rate. Observations with this new instrument will make possible dramatic steps toward understanding the physics of the nearby universe, as well as observing the universe out to cosmological distances by the detection of binary black hole coalescences. This article presents the instrument design and a quantitative analysis of the anticipated noise floor.
Part of a review paper entitled Gravitational wave astronomy: the current status., appeared in Science China Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy 58.12 (2015): 1-41.
Gravitational wave (GW) detection in space probes GW spectrum that is inaccessible from the Earth. In addition to LISA project led by European Space Agency, and the DECIGO detector proposed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, two Chinese space-based GW observatories -- TianQin and Taiji -- are planned to be launched in the 2030s. TianQin has a unique concept in its design with a geocentric orbit. Taijis design is similar to LISA, but is more ambitious with longer arm distance. Both facilities are complementary to LISA, considering that TianQin is sensitive to higher frequencies and Taiji probes similar frequencies but with higher sensitivity. In this Perspective we explain the concepts for both facilities and introduce the development milestones of TianQin and Taiji projects in testing extraordinary technologies to pave the way for future space-based GW detections. Considering that LISA, TianQin and Taiji have similar scientific goals, all are scheduled to be launched around the 2030s and will operate concurrently, we discuss possible collaborations among them to improve GW source localization and characterization.
This paper reports on the design and characteristics of a compact module integrating an optical displacement sensor and an electromagnetic actuator for use with vibration-isolation systems installed in KAGRA, the 3-km baseline gravitational-wave detector in Japan. In technical concept, the module belongs to a family tree of similar modules called OSEMs, used in other interferometric gravitational-wave detector projects. After the initial test run of KAGRA in 2016, the sensor part, which is a type of slot sensor, was modified by increasing the spacing of the slot from 5 mm to 15 mm to avoid the risk of mechanical interference with the sensor flag. We confirm the sensor performance is comparable to that of the previous design despite the modification. We also confirm the sensor noise is consistent with the theoretical noise budget. The noise level is 0.5 nm/rtHz at 1 Hz and 0.1 nm/rtHz at 10 Hz, and the linear range of the sensor is 0.7 mm or more. We measured the response of the actuator to be 1 N/A, and also measured the resistances and inductances of coils of the actuators to confirm consistency with theory. Coupling coefficients among the different degrees of freedom were also measured and shown to be negligible, varying little between designs. A potential concern about thermal noise contribution due to eddy current loss is discussed. As of 2020, 42 of the modules are in operation at the site.