Researchers from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a new analytical algorithm for the deep frequency modulation interferometry (DFMI) method.
The group led by Yu Tao proposed an approach that improves phase measurement accuracy and simplifies signal processing. The algorithm eliminates the need for explicit estimation of modulation parameters.
The work was published in the journal Optics Communications. It offers a promising path toward compact interferometric systems for detecting gravitational waves from space.
The scientists compared the new method with traditional stepwise phase reconstruction. Under conditions simulating high-precision measurements, the algorithm showed a root-mean-square phase error of 2,362 µrad — 52,78% lower than that of the conventional approach.
The error approached the theoretical precision limit. This demonstrates efficient extraction of phase information from the interferometric signal.
Additionally, the researchers developed a processing architecture oriented toward field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA). Fixed-point simulations confirmed operability: the phase error was 2,663 µrad.
How will this simplification affect future gravitational wave search missions? The results point to the potential for efficient hardware implementation and more precise laser measurements in space.
The algorithm may help detect extremely small distance changes caused by gravitational waves with lower computational cost.
