title: Achieving geodetic motion for LISA test masses: ground testing results.
abstract: The low-frequency resolution of space-based gravitational wave observatories such as LISA (Laser Interferometry Space Antenna) hinges on the orbital purity of a free-falling reference test mass inside a satellite shield. We present here a torsion pendulum study of the forces that will disturb an orbiting test mass inside a LISA capacitive position sensor. The pendulum, with a measured torque noise floor below 10 fN m/square root of Hz from 0.6 to 10 mHz, has allowed placement of an upper limit on sensor force noise contributions, measurement of the sensor electrostatic stiffness at the 5% level, and detection and compensation of stray dc electrostatic biases at the millivolt level.
authors: Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Trento, and I.N.F.N., Gruppo di Trento, 38050 Povo (TN), Italy.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Carbone
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Cavalleri
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Dolesi
authors: C D
authors: CD
authors: Hoyle
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Hueller
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Vitale
authors: W J
authors: WJ
authors: Weber