arXiv subjects

Yulin Xia

Publications and source records attributed to Yulin Xia.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Torsional-X Seismometer for Lunar Decihertz Gravitational-Wave Detection

The lunar gravitational-wave antenna concept uses the Moon as a resonant detector instrumented with precision seismometers, targeting the decihertz band between ground- and space-based observatories. We propose a compact monolithic fused-silica torsional-X seismometer that re-engineers garden-gate acceleration-to-rotation transduction for this regime through a high-tension dual-fiber suspension. Its designed millihertz-scale resonance and ultra-low mechanical dissipation enable a nearly order-of-magnitude improvement around $0.1\,\mathrm{Hz}$ compared with existing lunar seismometer concepts. Achieving this performance requires room-temperature operation, where fused-silica exhibits low mechanical loss, together with subdominant actuation noise. We demonstrate a room-temperature vacuum prototype validating the operating principle and core mechanical design, and derive requirements for a future lunar implementation capable of approaching the target sensitivity.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2026

Extending Ground-Based Gravitational-Wave Sensitivity to 5 Hz

Extending the sensitivity of terrestrial gravitational-wave detectors below 20 Hz is a long-standing challenge, limited by ground motion and inertial sensing noise. In this letter, we demonstrate ultra-high-vacuum compatible inertial isolation and position sensing technologies that achieve active platform stabilization down to 10 mHz. Our laser position sensors reach a sub-pm/$\sqrt{\rm Hz}$ sensitivity above 10 mHz, independent of the input light polarization, representing a 100-fold improvement over the current LIGO position sensors. In addition, our inertial sensors provide at least a factor of 5 improvement in low-frequency sensitivity compared to state-of-the-art commercial seismometers. We integrate these technologies into a LIGO-like interferometer model and predict a low-frequency sensitivity improvement of up to an order of magnitude at 10 Hz, with enhanced linearity and calibration stability. This extension increases the detection horizon for intermediate-mass black hole binaries of mass $10^3 M_\odot$ by a factor of 3. Our results provide the first experimental demonstration of a practical pathway to sub-10 Hz operation of terrestrial gravitational-wave detectors and establish key technologies for next-generation observatories such as Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

Beijing Normal University 12-meter Interferometric kHz GW Detector Prototype: Design and Scientific Prospects

Current gravitational-wave detectors have achieved remarkable sensitivity around 100 Hz, enabling ground-breaking discoveries. Enhancing sensitivity at higher frequencies in the kilohertz (kHz) range promises access to rich physics, particularly the extreme conditions during the merger stage of binary neutron stars. However, the high-frequency sensitivity of Michelson-based interferometers is fundamentally limited by their linear optical cavities, which are optimized for low-frequency signal enhancement. In [Phys. Rev. X 13, 021019 (2023)], a new configuration employing an L-shaped optical resonator was proposed to overcome this limitation, offering exceptional sensitivity in the kHz band. As a pathfinder, the 12-meter prototype at Beijing Normal University is designed to demonstrate the sensing and control schemes of this new kHz detector configuration and to explore its performance in the high-power regime with suspended optics. Beyond its primary scientific goal, the prototype also offers potential sensitivity in the megahertz (MHz) range, potentially enabling constraints on exotic sources. This paper presents an overview of the prototype, including its optical design and current development status of key components.

physics.optics↗