Method for environmental noise estimation via injection tests for ground-based gravitational wave detectors

TL;DR

This paper introduces and verifies a new environmental noise injection testing method for ground-based gravitational wave detectors, accounting for frequency conversion and nonlinearity, improving understanding of detector response.

Contribution

A novel response function model for environmental noise injection tests that includes frequency conversion and nonlinearity effects, validated with KAGRA data.

Findings

Successfully reproduced environmental noise effects using the new model.

Validated the method with real KAGRA data.

Enhanced understanding of environmental noise impact on detector sensitivity.

Abstract

Environmental noise is one of the critical issues for the observation of gravitational waves, but is difficult to predict in advance. Therefore, to evaluate the adverse impact of environmental noise on the detector sensitivity, understanding the detector response to the environmental noise in actual setup is crucial, for both the observation and future upgrades. In this paper, we introduce and verify a new method of the environmental noise injection test based on the post-observation commissioning of KAGRA. This new method (response function model) includes the frequency conversion and nonlinearity of power, which are the effects that are not considered in the current model (coupling function model) used in LIGO and Virgo. We also confirmed the validity of our method by applying it to an environmental noise-enriched dataset and successfully reproducing them.