Optimal networks of future gravitational-wave telescopes

Raffai, P., Gondán, L., Heng, I. S. , Kelecsényi, N., Logue, J., Márka, Z. and Márka, S. (2013) Optimal networks of future gravitational-wave telescopes. Classical and Quantum Gravity, 30(15), p. 155004. (doi: 10.1088/0264-9381/30/15/155004)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0264-9381/30/15/155004

Abstract

We aim to find the optimal site locations for a hypothetical network of 1–3 triangular gravitational-wave telescopes. We define the following N-telescope figures of merit (FoMs) and construct three corresponding metrics: (a) capability of reconstructing the signal polarization; (b) accuracy in source localization; and (c) accuracy in reconstructing the parameters of a standard binary source. We also define a combined metric that takes into account the three FoMs with practically equal weight. After constructing a geomap of possible telescope sites, we give the optimal 2-telescope networks for the four FoMs separately in example cases where the location of the first telescope has been predetermined. We found that based on the combined metric, placing the first telescope to Australia provides the most options for optimal site selection when extending the network with a second instrument. We suggest geographical regions where a potential second and third telescope could be placed to get optimal network performance in terms of our FoMs. Additionally, we use a similar approach to find the optimal location and orientation for the proposed LIGO-India detector within a five-detector network with Advanced LIGO (Hanford), Advanced LIGO (Livingston), Advanced Virgo, and KAGRA. We found that the FoMs do not change greatly in sites within India, though the network can suffer a significant loss in reconstructing signal polarizations if the orientation angle of an L-shaped LIGO-India is not set to the optimal value of ~58.2°( + k × 90°) (measured counterclockwise from East to the bisector of the arms).

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Heng, Professor Ik Siong
Authors: Raffai, P., Gondán, L., Heng, I. S., Kelecsényi, N., Logue, J., Márka, Z., and Márka, S.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Research Centre:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy > Institute for Gravitational Research
Journal Name:Classical and Quantum Gravity
Publisher:IOP Publishing
ISSN:0264-9381
ISSN (Online):1361-6382

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
459311Investigations in Gravitational Radiation.Sheila RowanScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)PP/F001118/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
459313Investigations in Gravitational Radiation.Sheila RowanScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/J000361/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
569981Proposal for UK Involvement in the Operation of Advanced LIGOKenneth StrainScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/J000019/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY