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Cosmic rays observed by the resonant gravitational wave detector NAUTILUS
Physical Review Letters
|October 4, 2000
Summary
Cosmic rays were found to cause vibrations in the NAUTILUS gravitational wave detector. This significant correlation was observed at extremely low temperatures (100 mK).
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Gravitational Wave Detection
- Particle Physics
Background:
- The NAUTILUS detector is a resonant cryogenic instrument designed for gravitational wave detection.
- Understanding environmental noise sources is crucial for improving detector sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential excitation of mechanical vibrations in the NAUTILUS detector by cosmic ray passages.
- To quantify the correlation between cosmic ray events and observed vibrations.
Main Methods:
- Continuous operation of the NAUTILUS detector at 100 mK.
- Monitoring detector vibrations and correlating them with cosmic ray detection events.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant correlation (exceeding 10 standard deviations) was identified between cosmic ray passage and mechanical vibrations.
- Cosmic rays were confirmed as a source of excitation for the detector's resonant modes.
Conclusions:
- Cosmic ray interactions represent a notable source of noise in cryogenic gravitational wave detectors like NAUTILUS.
- Mitigation strategies for cosmic ray induced noise may be necessary for future gravitational wave observatories.
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