Multi-Stage Active Vibration Isolation System

Published

June 1, 1998

Author(s)

S J. Richman, J A. Giaime, David B. Newell, R T. Stebbins, P L. Bender, J E. Faller

Abstract

The major obstacle to the detection of low-frequency gravitational waves with an earth-based interferometer is seismic noise. The current design of the initial LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) receiver, now under construction, prospects that ground noise will limit the operating band to frequencies above 40 Hz. In this paper, we describe recent progress on the JILA active vibration isolation system. This device is being constructed to demonstrate the technology needed for useful reduction of low-frequency seismic noise in a gravitational wave interferometer. It consists of three spring-mounted stages, each of which provides both active and passive isolation. To date, all of the control loops on the first two of the three stages have been closed. Together they can reduce large vibrations by at least 70 dB in both vertical and horizontal directions at 1.5 Hz and above.

Citation

Review of Science Instruments

Volume

69

Issue

No. 6

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

gravitational waves, LIGO, seismic isolation, seismometers

Citation

Richman, S. , Giaime, J. , Newell, D. , Stebbins, R. , Bender, P. and Faller, J. (1998), Multi-Stage Active Vibration Isolation System, Review of Science Instruments (Accessed May 2, 2025)