Tim Sumner et al 2004 Class. Quantum Grav. 21 S597 doi:10.1088/0264-9381/21/5/031
Tim Sumner, Henrique Araújo, David Davidge, Alex Howard, Chris Lee, Geoff Rochester, Diana Shaul and Peter Wass
Show affiliationsThe next generation of gravitational experiments in space is likely to use completely isolated proof-masses. For example, LISA uses proof-masses as mirrors in interferometers for gravitational wave astronomy (Bender et al 1998 Pre-phase A report MPG-233 pp 1–191) and STEP uses proof-masses in Earth orbit for an equivalence principle test (Sumner et al 2003 at press). Nongravitational forces will act on these proof-masses if they become charged, through the action of cosmic rays and solar flare particles for example. This paper examines the consequences of proof-mass charging for LISA, and presents results from using GEANT4 to assess the charging processes. Finally, there is a brief discussion of a means of controlling the charge down to an acceptable level.
04.80.Nn Gravitational wave detectors and experiments
Issue 5 (7 March 2004)
Received 3 September 2003
Published 6 February 2004
Tim Sumner et al 2004 Class. Quantum Grav. 21 S597
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