Charge-induced force noise on free-falling test masses: results from LISA pathfinder
File(s)
Accepted version
OA Location
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We report on electrostatic measurements made on board the European Space Agency mission LISA Pathfinder. Detailed measurements of the charge-induced electrostatic forces exerted on free-falling test masses (TMs) inside the capacitive gravitational reference sensor are the first made in a relevant environment for a space-based gravitational wave detector. Employing a combination of charge control and electric-field compensation, we show that the level of charge-induced acceleration noise on a single TM can be maintained at a level close to
1.0
fm
s
−
2
Hz
−
1
/
2
across the 0.1–100 mHz frequency band that is crucial to an observatory such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Using dedicated measurements that detect these effects in the differential acceleration between the two test masses, we resolve the stochastic nature of the TM charge buildup due to interplanetary cosmic rays and the TM charge-to-force coupling through stray electric fields in the sensor. All our measurements are in good agreement with predictions based on a relatively simple electrostatic model of the LISA Pathfinder instrument.
1.0
fm
s
−
2
Hz
−
1
/
2
across the 0.1–100 mHz frequency band that is crucial to an observatory such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). Using dedicated measurements that detect these effects in the differential acceleration between the two test masses, we resolve the stochastic nature of the TM charge buildup due to interplanetary cosmic rays and the TM charge-to-force coupling through stray electric fields in the sensor. All our measurements are in good agreement with predictions based on a relatively simple electrostatic model of the LISA Pathfinder instrument.
Date Issued
2017-04-28
Date Acceptance
2017-04-01
Citation
Physical Review Letters, 2017, 118 (17)
ISSN
0031-9007
Publisher
American Physical Society
Journal / Book Title
Physical Review Letters
Volume
118
Issue
17
Copyright Statement
© 2017 American Physical Society
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Physics
MISSION
SYSTEM
FIELDS
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 171101
Date Publish Online
2017-04-26