Deconvolving the information from an imperfect spherical gravitational wave antenna

TL;DR

This paper investigates how imperfections in spherical gravitational wave antennas affect data interpretation, using simulations and prototype measurements to demonstrate the feasibility of accurate data deconvolution despite these imperfections.

Contribution

It provides a quantitative analysis of systematic errors caused by antenna imperfections and validates practical deconvolution methods through prototype measurements.

Findings

Imperfections introduce measurable systematic errors.

Numerical simulations quantify error impacts.

Prototype measurements confirm deconvolution feasibility.

Abstract

We have studied the effects of imperfections in spherical gravitational wave antenna on our ability to properly interpret the data it will produce. The results of a numerical simulation are reported that quantitatively describe the systematic errors resulting from imperfections in various components of the antenna. In addition, the results of measurements on a room-temperature prototype are presented that verify it is possible to accurately deconvolve the data in practice.