Complete catalog of laser locking configurations for LISA

verfasst von: Gerhard Heinzel, Javier Álvarez-Vizoso, M. Dovale Alvarez
Abstract: The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will enable direct observations of low-frequency gravitational waves, offering unprecedented insight into astrophysical and cosmological phenomena. LISA’s heterodyne interferometric measurement system requires phase-locking five of its six onboard lasers with tunable frequency offsets to ensure that all beatnotes remain within the metrology system’s operational range, despite Doppler-induced frequency shifts. The selection of these offset frequencies—collectively forming a frequency plan—is a complex optimization problem constrained by the spacecraft’s orbital dynamics and instrument limitations. While previous work established an algorithmic solution for deriving time-dependent frequency plans, this study takes a complementary approach by systematically analyzing and cataloging all possible laser locking configurations. We present an automated method to explore, validate, and classify viable locking schemes, identifying 36 unique non-frequency-swapping configurations and 72 additional frequency-swapping configurations for an arbitrary choice of primary laser. This exhaustive classification provides a foundation for frequency planning across the full range of operational scenarios.
Organisationseinheit(en): PhoenixD: Simulation, Fabrikation und Anwendung optischer Systeme
Externe Organisation(en): Max-Planck-Institut für Gravitationsphysik (Albert-Einstein-Institut)
Typ: Artikel
Journal: Physical Review D
Band: 112
Seiten: 1-9
Anzahl der Seiten: 9
ISSN: 2470-0010
Publikationsdatum: 09.2025
Publikationsstatus: Veröffentlicht
Peer-reviewed: Ja
ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete: Kern- und Hochenergiephysik
Elektronische Version(en): https://doi.org/10.1103/4xbx-4dz4 (Zugang: Offen)

BibTeX

@article{1ed3f7948eb64a84901b36659614e87b,
title = "Complete catalog of laser locking configurations for LISA",
abstract = "The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will enable direct observations of low-frequency gravitational waves, offering unprecedented insight into astrophysical and cosmological phenomena. LISA{\textquoteright}s heterodyne interferometric measurement system requires phase-locking five of its six onboard lasers with tunable frequency offsets to ensure that all beatnotes remain within the metrology system{\textquoteright}s operational range, despite Doppler-induced frequency shifts. The selection of these offset frequencies—collectively forming a frequency plan—is a complex optimization problem constrained by the spacecraft{\textquoteright}s orbital dynamics and instrument limitations. While previous work established an algorithmic solution for deriving time-dependent frequency plans, this study takes a complementary approach by systematically analyzing and cataloging all possible laser locking configurations. We present an automated method to explore, validate, and classify viable locking schemes, identifying 36 unique non-frequency-swapping configurations and 72 additional frequency-swapping configurations for an arbitrary choice of primary laser. This exhaustive classification provides a foundation for frequency planning across the full range of operational scenarios.",
author = "Gerhard Heinzel and Javier {\'A}lvarez-Vizoso and {Dovale Alvarez}, M.",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2025 American Physical Society",
year = "2025",
month = sep,
doi = "10.1103/4xbx-4dz4",
language = "English",
volume = "112",
pages = "1--9",
journal = "Physical Review D",
issn = "2470-0010",
publisher = "American Physical Society",
number = "6",
}