Enhanced Detection Precision of the Taiji Program by Frequency Setting Strategy Based on a Hierarchical Optimization Algorithm

Abstract

For space-based gravitational wave detection, a laser interferometric measurement system composed of a three-spacecraft formation offers the most rewarding bandwidth of astrophysical sources. There are no oscillators available that are stable enough so that each spacecraft could use its own reference frequency. The conversion between reference frequencies and their distribution between all spacecrafts for the synchronization of the different metrology systems is the job of the inter-spacecraft frequency setting strategy, which is important for continuously acquiring scientific data and suppressing measurement noise. We propose a hierarchical optimization algorithm to solve the frequency setting strategy. The optimization objectives are minimum total readout displacement noise and maximum beat-note frequency feasible range. Multiple feasible parameter combinations were obtained for the Taiji program. These optimized parameters include lower and upper bounds of the beat note, sampling frequency, pilot tone signal frequency, ultrastable clock frequencies, and modulation depth. Among the 20 Pareto optimal solutions, the minimum total readout displacement noise was 4.12 pm/Hz, and the maximum feasible beat-note frequency range was 23 MHz. By adjusting the upper bound of beat-note frequency and laser power transmitted by the telescope, we explored the effects of these parameters on the minimum total readout displacement noise and optimal local laser power in greater depth. Our results may serve as a reference for the optimal design of laser interferometry system instrument parameters and may ultimately improve the detection performance and continuous detection time of the Taiji program.