The Pointing Error Due To Laser Propagation in Space Plasma for TianQin Gravitational Wave Detection

Abstract

TianQin, a space-borne gravitational wave observatory, is designed to detect gravitational-wave signals via laser interferometry. As the inhomogeneous space plasma surrounds the inter-satellite laser links, the propagation of the laser in space plasma can introduce pointing error noise. In this work, we quantitatively assess the effect of plasma on the pointing accuracy of TQ's inter-satellite laser links. We employ a magnetohydrodynamic model to simulate the plasma distribution around the TQ orbit for different orbital orientations. Using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method to conduct the ray-tracing calculations over a TQ orbital cycle under a solar wind dynamic pressure close to the 23-year average, we find that the plasma-induced laser deflection angle and pointing eccentricity are on the order of $10^{-20} \ \mathrm{rad}$ and picometers, respectively. These values are significantly lower than TQ's requirements. Our results demonstrate that the impact of space plasma on TQ's pointing error is negligible in moderate space weather conditions, indicating a positive outlook for the TQ mission.