Control strategy to limit duty cycle impact of earthquakes on the LIGO gravitational-wave detectors. (31st January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biscans, S; Warner, J; Mittleman, R; Buchanan, C; Coughlin, M; Evans, M; Gabbard, H; Harms, J; Lantz, B; Mukund, N; Pele, A; Pezerat, C; Picart, P; Radkins, H; Shaffer, T
• Is Part Of: Classical and quantum gravity. Volume 35:Number 5(2018:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2018-01-31
• Subjects: LIGO -- earthquakes -- control -- seismic; Quantum gravity -- Periodicals; Gravitation -- Periodicals; Relativity (Physics) -- Periodicals; Space and time -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 521.1
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6382/aaa4aa
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-9381

Abstract

Abstract: Advanced gravitational-wave detectors such as the laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatories (LIGO) require an unprecedented level of isolation from the ground. When in operation, they measure motion of less than 10 −19 m. Strong teleseismic events like earthquakes disrupt the proper functioning of the detectors, and result in a loss of data. An earthquake early-warning system, as well as a prediction model, have been developed to understand the impact of earthquakes on LIGO. This paper describes a control strategy to use this early-warning system to reduce the LIGO downtime by ̃30%. It also presents a plan to implement this new earthquake configuration in the LIGO automation system.