Abstract

Subject of study. The sensitivity of the onboard interferometer layout for semi-numerical modeling in the SOIGA spaceborne gravitational wave detector project on GLONASS orbits is studied. Aim of study. The aim is to evaluate and investigate sources of noise in the proposed implementation of a laser heterodyne interferometer, which measures relative displacements of sample masses in the space gravitational wave antenna project. Method. Numerical modeling and experimental studies are conducted to examine the influence of layout components on the measurement sensitivity of linear relative movement. Main results. The design of the SOIGA space gravitational wave antenna is detailed in the paper, including different spacecraft configurations. The transponder principle is proposed for intersatellite interferometric measurements, which equips each spacecraft with a laser radiation receiver and repeater that operate in opposite directions. The principles behind constructing an airborne heterodyne interferometer are discussed. A schematic of a ground setup for testing basic technical solutions is suggested. The study provides results estimating nonlinear optical noise that stems from ambiguous optical paths of the interferometer, laser module frequency instability, and temperature fluctuations. It is found that radio-frequency signals fed to acousto-optical modulators lack “ghost” harmonics at the heterodyne frequency. The optimum operating mode of the RF amplifier is determined, which minimizes the contribution of higher harmonics to measurement uncertainty. Temperature fluctuations are identified as the most significant contributors to interferometer configuration noise. The overall calculated noise budget does not exceed 20 pm in the frequency range of 2 to 10 Hz. Recommendations for modifications to the configuration that could reduce noise to the desired level (below 30 pm), encompassing the entire target frequency range from 100 mHz to 10 Hz, are presented. Practical significance. The results from this study can be utilized in developing the first Russian space gravitational wave antenna.

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