2024/09/13 by A. L. Mitchell, Mitchell, Alexandra, Lehmann, Johannes +14 · 4 citations
Computer Science · Engineering · #Advanced MEMS and NEMS Technologies #Advanced Measurement and Metrology Techniques #FOS: Physical sciences #Instrumentation and Detectors (physics.ins-det) #Sensor Technology and Measurement Systems
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2409.08843
openalex publication_date 2024/09/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Homodyne Quadrature Interferometers (HoQIs) are compact, low noise and high dynamic range displacement sensors designed for use in gravitational wave observatories. Their lower noise compared to the displacement sensors used at present makes them valuable for improving the seismic isolation in current and future detectors. This paper outlines the progression of this sensor from initial production and benchtop tests to in-vacuum static performance and installation in a gravitational wave detector prototype facility. A detailed design description is outlined, including the full signal and optical chain required for implementation in detectors. The measured in-vacuum static performance indicates a noise floor of 3-4×10-13m/√\rmHz at 10Hz. Three HoQIs were installed on the beamsplitter suspension at the AEI 10m prototype. They measured motion of the intermediate mass across the entire bandwidth measured and showed minimal non-linearities and a good robustness to motion in unmeasured degrees of freedom, both important for practical use in dynamic systems such as seismic isolation.