Understanding interferometric drag-free sensors in space using intelligent data analysis tools [Elektronische Ressource] / Anneke Monsky

Understanding interferometric drag-free sensorsin space using intelligent data analysis toolsVon der Fakult¨at fur¨ Mathematik und Physik derGottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universitat¨ Hannoverzur Erlangung des GradesDoktor der Naturwissenschaften– Dr.rer.nat –genehmigte Dissertation vonM.Sc. Anneke Monskygeboren am 13. Dezember 1981in Celle, Deutschland2010Referent: Prof. Dr. Karsten DanzmannKorreferent: Eric Plagnol, Directeur de recherche de 1re classe, CNRSTag der Promotion: 04. Juni 2010Fu¨r Papa.ivAbstractLISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, is a planned gravitational waveobservatory in space. It is a joint ESA and NASA mission planned to be launchedin 2018. Three spacecraft form an equilateral triangle with the armlength of 5million kilometres, building a Michelson interferometer.The technology demonstrator for LISA, LISA Pathfinder, itself a space missionto be launched in 2012. The main measurement concept of LISA is based on theability to put a test mass into free fall and account for all residual forces that mayact on it. LISA Pathfinder aims to verify this concept. An interferometer measuresthe distance between two free-falling test masses with pico-metre accuracy in themilli-Hertz range.The LISA Pathfinder mission time is strictly limited. Experiments must be pre-pared in detail prior to the mission in order to maximise the mission’s scienceoutput.