Integration of high-performance compact interferometric sensors in a suspended interferometer

TL;DR

This paper presents the development and deployment of high-performance homodyne quadrature interferometers in a gravitational wave detector prototype, demonstrating their low noise and robustness for seismic isolation applications.

Contribution

It details the design, implementation, and in-vacuum performance of HoQIs, advancing their practical use in gravitational wave observatories.

Findings

Achieved a noise floor of 3-4×10^{-13} m/√Hz at 10Hz

Successfully installed and tested three HoQIs on a prototype beamsplitter suspension

Demonstrated minimal non-linearities and robustness in dynamic conditions

Abstract

Homodyne Quadrature Interferometers (HoQIs) are compact, low noise and high dynamic range displacement sensors designed for use in gravitational wave observatories. Their lower noise compared to the displacement sensors used at present makes them valuable for improving the seismic isolation in current and future detectors. This paper outlines the progression of this sensor from initial production and benchtop tests to in-vacuum static performance and installation in a gravitational wave detector prototype facility. A detailed design description is outlined, including the full signal and optical chain required for implementation in detectors. The measured in-vacuum static performance indicates a noise floor of $3-4\times10^{-13}m/\sqrt{\rm{Hz}}$ at 10Hz. Three HoQIs were installed on the beamsplitter suspension at the AEI 10m prototype. They measured motion of the intermediate mass across the entire bandwidth measured and showed minimal non-linearities and a good robustness to motion in unmeasured degrees of freedom, both important for practical use in dynamic systems such as seismic isolation.