Measuring random force noise for LISA aboard the LISA Pathfinder mission

TL;DR

This paper details the measurement of random force noise acting on LISA test masses aboard the LISA Pathfinder mission, aiming to characterize and limit acceleration noise for future gravitational wave detection.

Contribution

It introduces the LTP measurement approach for quantifying random force noise and disturbances affecting test masses in space-based gravitational wave detectors.

Findings

Set an upper limit for random force noise levels

Measured conversion of disturbances into acceleration noise

Enhanced understanding of drag-free control performance

Abstract

The LTP (LISA Testflight Package), to be flown aboard the ESA / NASA LISA Pathfinder mission, aims to demonstrate drag-free control for LISA test masses with acceleration noise below 30 fm/s^2/Hz^1/2 from 1-30 mHz. This paper describes the LTP measurement of random, position independent forces acting on the test masses. In addition to putting an overall upper limit for all source of random force noise, LTP will measure the conversion of several key disturbances into acceleration noise and thus allow a more detailed characterization of the drag-free performance to be expected for LISA.