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Testbed for LISA PhotodetectorsThe Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is a gravitational wave observatory consisting of three spacecraft separated by 5 million km in an equilateral triangle whose center follows the Earth in orbit around the Sun but offset in orbital phase by 20 degrees. LISA is designed to observe sources in the frequency range of 0.1 mHz-100 mHz by measuring fluctuations of the inter-spacecraft separation with laser interferometry. Quadrant photodetectors are used to measure both separation and angular orientation. Noise level, phase and amplitude inhomogeneities of the semiconductor response, and channel cross-talk between quadrant cells need to be assessed in order to ensure the 10 pm/Square root(Hz) sensitivity required for the interferometric length measurement in LISA. To this end, we are currently developing a testbed that allows us to evaluate photodetectors to the sensitivity levels required for LISA. A detailed description of the testbed and preliminary results will be presented.
Document ID
20090042728
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Guzman, Felipe
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Livas, Jeffrey
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Silverberg, Robert
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
October 23, 2009
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation And Astrionics
Report/Patent Number
APR10-2009-000932
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Physical Society Conference
Location: Washington, D.C.
Country: United States
Start Date: February 13, 2010
End Date: February 17, 2010
Sponsors: American Physical Society
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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