Mock Setup of Newtonian Calibration Characterization for Laser Interferometry

The Laser Interferometer and Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) is the current highest precision detector of gravitational waves (GW). Current and future GW detectors require precise calibration to operate at peak sensitivity. This is needed both for classical reconstruction and for the detection of Poissonian Quantum noise of gravitons and stochastic force on geodesic mirrors separation H Cho, et al. PhysRevD.105.086004. The current calibration technique uses photon calibration to determine the change in motion of the LIGO interferometer suspensions.

To reduce uncertainty in LIGO calibration, we are currently forming a lasting collaboration with the team developing the Newtonian Calibrator (NCal) M P. Ross, et al. PhysRevD.104.082006, who used a non-uniform cylindrical drum to disturb the LIGO interferometer suspensions via gravitational forces. This project aims to determine the potential for and improve NCal calibration using a tortional pendulum stand-in for the LIGO pendulums.

This calibration technique could also lead to a more sensitive detector at a wider range of frequencies allowing for the detection of more phenomena like core collapse supernova and the collision of coalescing compact binaries. We will review our most recent lab results.