Modeling and Characterization of Subsystems for LIGO-India 10 M Prototype Interferometer

Dave, Prakhar (2026) Modeling and Characterization of Subsystems for LIGO-India 10 M Prototype Interferometer. Masters thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

Text (MS Dissertation of Prakhar Dave (24MR002)) Prakhar Dave.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (2MB)

Abstract

The next-generation interferometric gravitational wave detector requires extreme precision in terms of optical sensing, suspension isolation, and control systems to meet the extreme sensitivities required for astrophysical observations. The 10 M prototype interferometer facility at RRCAT is being used to develop and test critical technologies for large-scale interferometric gravitational wave detection. In this thesis, the modeling and characterization of several subsystems of the prototype interferometer are presented. The design of the single-stage suspension system was optimized using analytical modeling and numerical simulation to achieve the required eigen-frequencies, transfer functions, and thermal noise. The characterization of the Optical Sensor and Electromagnetic (OSEM) actuator was done through the calibration of the actuator force, as well as the determination of the linear sensing range and the optimal operating region. In addition, the noise performance and transfer functions of the coil driver and satellite amplifier electronics were measured and compared with their expected behavior to evaluate their performance for the control loops. A triangular Pre-Mode Cleaner (PMC) cavity was also experimentally characterized. This included mode matching, cavity resonance scans, and the implementation of the Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking technique to achieve stable cavity locking. The work done during the thesis is part of the ongoing development of the prototype interferometer and provides methods for designing and testing future gravitational wave detectors, specifically, the upcoming LIGO-India observatory.

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