Algorithm for TDI numerical simulation and sensitivity investigation

Understand

We introduce a generic algorithm to determine the time delays and spacecraft (S/C) positions to compose any time-delay interferometry (TDI) channel in the dynamical case and evaluate its sensitivity by using a full numerical method.

• We select 11 second-generation TDI channels constructed from four approaches and investigate their gravitational wave responses, noise levels, and averaged sensitivities under a numerical LISA orbit.
• The sensitivities of selected channels are various especially for frequencies lower than 20 mHz.
• The optimal channel A$_2$ (or equivalently E$_2$) combined from second-generation Michelson TDI channels (X$_1$, X$_2$, and X$_3$) achieves the best sensitivity among the channels, while the Sagnac $\alpha_1$ channel shows the worse sensitivity.