Displacement-noise-free neutron interferometer for gravitational wave detection using a single Mach-Zehnder configuration

The improvement of sensitivity to gravitational waves (GWs) at lower frequencies is still challenging on account of displacement noise. One of the solutions is the neutron displacement-noise-free interferometer (DFI). We focus on a simplification of the detector configuration by taking advantage of the ability to adjust the neutron speed depending on the configuration. The new configuration consists of two beamsplitters and two mirrors, which constitute a single Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI). It is simpler than the configuration with two MZIs in previous research. All displacement noise of mirrors and beamsplitters can be canceled in the frequency domain. This cancellation can be explained intuitively using a phasor diagram. (C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The improvement of sensitivity to gravitational waves at lower frequencies remains challenging due to displacement noise. A neutron displacement-noise-free interferometer is proposed as a solution. By adjusting the neutron speed, the detector configuration is simplified to a single Mach-Zehnder interferometer with two beamsplitters and two mirrors. In this configuration, all displacement noise is canceled in the frequency domain, which is explained intuitively using a phasor diagram.