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Achieving geodetic motion for LISA test masses: ground testing result

L. Carbone·A. Cavalleri·R. Dolesi·C. D. Hoyle·M. Hueller·S. Vitale·W. J. Weber
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Abstract

The low-frequency resolution of space-based gravitational wave observatories such as LISA (Laser Interferometry Space Antenna) hinges on the orbital purity of a free-falling reference test mass inside a satellite shield. We present here a torsion pendulum study of the forces that will disturb an orbiting test mass inside a LISA capacitive position sensor. The pendulum, with a measured torque noise floor below 10 fNm/sqrt{Hz} from 0.6 to 10 mHz, has allowed placement of an upper limit on sensor force noise contributions, measurement of the sensor electrostatic stiffness at the 5% level, and detection and compensation of stray DC electrostatic biases at the mV level.

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L. Carbone, A. Cavalleri, R. Dolesi, C. D. Hoyle, M. Hueller, S. Vitale, W. J. Weber. 2004-02-04. Achieving geodetic motion for LISA test masses: ground testing result. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.91.151101

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