Published 2022 | Version v1
Journal article

Sensor noise in LISA Pathfinder: An extensive in-flight review of the angular and longitudinal interferometric measurement system

Description

In a previous article [1], we have reported on the first subpicometer interferometer flown in space as part of ESA's LISA Pathfinder mission, and have shown the residual sensor noise to be on the level of $32.0^{+2.4}_{-1.7}$ fm/$\sqrt{\textrm{Hz}}$. This review provides a deeper and more complete overview of the full system and its interferometric mission performance under varying operational conditions, allowing a much more detailed view on the noise model. We also include the optical measurements of rotations through differential wave front sensing (DWS), which reached a sensitivity of as good as 100 prad/$\sqrt{\textrm{Hz}}$. We present more evidence for the long-term stability of the interferometric performance and components. This proves a solid foundation for future interferometry in space such as the LISA mission.

Abstract

International audience

Additional details

Created:
December 3, 2022
Modified:
December 1, 2023