- Open Access
Complete catalog of laser locking configurations for LISA
Phys. Rev. D 112, 062002 – Published 15 September, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4xbx-4dz4
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.
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
See Also
Frequency planning for LISA
Article Text
Supplemental Material
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- See Supplemental Material at http://link.aps.org/supplemental/10.1103/4xbx-4dz4 for the complete catalog of laser locking configurations for LISA.
