Passive Newtonian noise suppression for gravitational-wave observatories based on shaping of the local topography

Harms, J. and Hild, S. (2014) Passive Newtonian noise suppression for gravitational-wave observatories based on shaping of the local topography. Classical and Quantum Gravity, 31(18), p. 185011. (doi: 10.1088/0264-9381/31/18/185011)

Abstract

In this article we propose a new method for reducing Newtonian noise (NN) in laser-interferometric gravitational wave detectors located on the Earthʼs surface. We show that by excavating meter-scale recesses in the ground around the main test masses of a gravitational wave detector it is possible to reduce the coupling of Rayleigh wave driven seismic disturbances to test mass displacement. A discussion of the optimal recess shape is given and we use finite element simulations to derive the scaling of the NN suppression with the parameters of the recess as well as the frequency of the seismic excitation. Considering an interferometer similar to an Advance LIGO configuration, our simulations indicate a frequency dependent NN suppression factor of 2–4 in the relevant frequency range for a recesses of 4 m depth and a width and length of 11 m and 5 m, respectively. Though a retrofit to existing interferometers seems not impossible, the application of our concept to future infrastructures seems to provide a better benefit/cost ratio and therefore a higher feasibility.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hild, Professor Stefan
• Authors: Harms, J., and Hild, S.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Classical and Quantum Gravity
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• ISSN: 0264-9381
• ISSN (Online): 1361-6382
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Classical and Quantum Gravity 31(18):185011
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License