Calibration Uncertainty for Advanced LIGO's First and Second Observing Runs

TL;DR

This paper discusses the methods used to estimate calibration uncertainties in Advanced LIGO detectors during their first two observing runs, which is essential for accurate gravitational wave data analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed method for quantifying calibration uncertainties in LIGO's first and second observing runs, improving the reliability of gravitational wave measurements.

Findings

Calibration uncertainties are quantified for both LIGO detectors.

Accurate calibration is crucial for unbiased gravitational wave parameter estimation.

The method enhances confidence in gravitational wave data analysis.

Abstract

Calibration of the Advanced LIGO detectors is the quantification of the detectors' response to gravitational waves. Gravitational waves incident on the detectors cause phase shifts in the interferometer laser light which are read out as intensity fluctuations at the detector output. Understanding this detector response to gravitational waves is crucial to producing accurate and precise gravitational wave strain data. Estimates of binary black hole and neutron star parameters and tests of general relativity require well-calibrated data, as miscalibrations will lead to biased results. We describe the method of producing calibration uncertainty estimates for both LIGO detectors in the first and second observing runs.