Complete catalog of laser locking configurations for LISA

authored by

Gerhard Heinzel, Javier Álvarez-Vizoso, M. Dovale Alvarez

Abstract

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will enable direct observations of low-frequency gravitational waves, offering unprecedented insight into astrophysical and cosmological phenomena. LISA’s heterodyne interferometric measurement system requires phase-locking five of its six onboard lasers with tunable frequency offsets to ensure that all beatnotes remain within the metrology system’s operational range, despite Doppler-induced frequency shifts. The selection of these offset frequencies—collectively forming a frequency plan—is a complex optimization problem constrained by the spacecraft’s orbital dynamics and instrument limitations. While previous work established an algorithmic solution for deriving time-dependent frequency plans, this study takes a complementary approach by systematically analyzing and cataloging all possible laser locking configurations. We present an automated method to explore, validate, and classify viable locking schemes, identifying 36 unique non-frequency-swapping configurations and 72 additional frequency-swapping configurations for an arbitrary choice of primary laser. This exhaustive classification provides a foundation for frequency planning across the full range of operational scenarios.

Organisation(s)

PhoenixD: Simulation, Fabrikation und Anwendung optischer Systeme

External Organisation(s)

Max-Planck-Institut für Gravitationsphysik (Albert-Einstein-Institut)

Type

Artikel

Journal

Physical Review D

Volume

112

Pages

1-9

No. of pages

9

ISSN

2470-0010

Publication date

09.2025

Publication status

Veröffentlicht

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Kern- und Hochenergiephysik

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1103/4xbx-4dz4 (Access: Offen)