Forward Modeling of Space-borne Gravitational Wave Detectors

TL;DR

This paper introduces an adiabatic approximation method for forward modeling space-borne gravitational wave detectors, addressing their complex orbital and control system effects to enhance data analysis and parameter extraction.

Contribution

It presents a novel adiabatic approximation for modeling space-based gravitational wave detectors, extending the low frequency approximation range and aiding data analysis.

Findings

The adiabatic approximation significantly improves detector response modeling.

It extends the validity of low frequency approximations for space-based detectors.

The method facilitates better astrophysical parameter extraction.

Abstract

Planning is underway for several space-borne gravitational wave observatories to be built in the next ten to twenty years. Realistic and efficient forward modeling will play a key role in the design and operation of these observatories. Space-borne interferometric gravitational wave detectors operate very differently from their ground based counterparts. Complex orbital motion, virtual interferometry, and finite size effects complicate the description of space-based systems, while nonlinear control systems complicate the description of ground based systems. Here we explore the forward modeling of space-based gravitational wave detectors and introduce an adiabatic approximation to the detector response that significantly extends the range of the standard low frequency approximation. The adiabatic approximation will aid in the development of data analysis techniques, and improve the modeling of astrophysical parameter extraction.