Quantum limit for laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors from optical dissipation

TL;DR

This paper establishes a fundamental quantum limit on the sensitivity of laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors caused by optical dissipation, setting a universal bound that cannot be surpassed without improving optical properties.

Contribution

It derives a universal quantum sensitivity limit due to optical dissipation, addressing a key question in enhancing gravitational wave detector performance.

Findings

Quantum limit from optical dissipation derived

Limit applies universally to various interferometer configurations

Sets a fundamental bound on detector sensitivity improvements

Abstract

We derive a quantum limit to the sensitivity of laser interferometric gravitational-wave detectors from optical-loss-induced dissipation, analogous to the sensitivity limit from the mechanical dissipation. It applies universally to different interferometer configurations, and cannot be surpassed unless the optical property is improved. This result provides an answer to the long-standing question of how far we can push the detector sensitivity given the state-of-the-art optics.