Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-7-2004
Abstract
The LIGO experiment aims to detect and study gravitational waves using ground-based laser interferometry. A critical factor to the performance of the interferometers, and a major consideration in the design of possible future upgrades, is isolation of the interferometer optics from seismic noise. We present the results of a detailed programme of measurements of the seismic environment surrounding the LIGO interferometers. We describe the experimental configuration used to collect the data, which were acquired over a 613 day period. The measurements focused on the frequency range 0.1-10 Hz, in which the secondary microseismic peak and noise due to human activity in the vicinity of the detectors was found to be particularly critical to the interferometer performance. We compare the statistical distribution of the data sets from the two interferometer sites, construct amplitude spectral densities of seismic noise amplitude fluctuations with periods of up to 3 months and analyse the data for any long-term trends in the amplitude of seismic noise in this critical frequency range.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Classical and Quantum Gravity
First Page
2255
Last Page
2273
Recommended Citation
Daw, E., Giaime, J., Lormand, D., Lubinski, M., & Zweizig, J. (2004). Long-term study of the seismic environment at LIGO. Classical and Quantum Gravity, 21 (9), 2255-2273. https://doi.org/10.1088/0264-9381/21/9/003