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Towards windproofing LIGO: Reducing the effect of wind-driven floor tilt by using rotation sensors in active seismic isolation

Authors :
Ross, Michael P.
Venkateswara, Krishna
Mow-Lowry, Conor
Cooper, Sam
Warner, Jim
Lantz, Brian
Kissel, Jeffrey
Radkins, Hugh
Shaffer, Thomas
Mittleman, Richard
Pele, Arnaud
Gundlach, Jens
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Modern gravitational-wave observatories require robust low-frequency active seismic isolation in order to keep the interferometer at its ideal operating conditions. Seismometers are used to measure both the motion of the ground and isolated platform. These devices are susceptible to contamination from ground tilt at frequencies below 0.1 Hz, particularly arising from wind-pressure acting on building walls. Consequently, during LIGO's first observing run both observatories suffered significant downtime when wind-speeds were above 7 m/s. We describe the use of ground rotation sensors at the LIGO Hanford Observatory to correct nearby ground seismometers to produce tilt-free ground translation signals. The use of these signals for sensor correction control improved low-frequency seismic isolation and allowed the observatory to operate under wind speeds as high as $15-20$ m/s.

Details

Database :
arXiv
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsarx.2003.06447
Document Type :
Working Paper