LISA Pathfinder
DATA ANALYSIS
The LISA Pathfinder “Einstein Geodesic Explorer”: what we are (still) learning from the in-orbit measurement of differential acceleration
The LISA Pathfinder dataset – roughly 18 months of differential accelerations measurements plus a host of monitored environmental and dynamic variables – represents an experimental treasure that allows us to predict how LISA will work, understand how to improve LISA, and to indicate the right experimental tests to attempt on ground.
To date, we have published more than 20 articles on the LPF measurements, but we still have much more to learn from this precious Pathfinder – at least for free-falling test masses, we will never have a ground test bench for LISA that is as representative or as precise as LPF.
Our specific areas of analysis, completed and ongoing, include:
LISA Pathfinder acceleration low-frequency acceleration noise upper limits and noise budget (link to 2016 PRL, 2018 PRL)
Non-gaussian force “glitches” in LPF (link to PRD)
Stray electrostatic fields, test mass charging, and field noise in LPF (link to 2017 PRD, 2022 PRD)
Electrostatic force actuation and actuation noise in LPF (link to arxiv paper)
Residual DC forces and gravitational balancing
Forces from fluctuating temperature and temperature gradients and from outgassing
Test mass discharge (link to 2018 PRD), including continuous discharge experiments
Test mass release (link to 2021 Adv. Space Res.)
Capacitive sensing (link to 2017 PRD)