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Detector orientation matters: Consequences for gravitational-wave background detectability

Nelson Christensen1,*, Joseph D. Romano2,†, Mairi Sakellariadou3,1,‡, and Jishnu Suresh1,§

  • *Contact author: nelson.christensen@oca.eu
  • †Contact author: joseph.romano@utrgv.edu
  • ‡Contact author: mairi.sakellariadou@kcl.ac.uk
  • §Contact author: jishnu.suresh@oca.eu

Phys. Rev. D 114, L081101 – Published 5 October, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/pb46-wwt8

Abstract

Cross-correlation searches for gravitational-wave backgrounds depend on the geometrical configuration (physical separation and relative orientation) of the detectors comprising the network. Applying standard techniques to a few simple examples, we illustrate how the relative orientation of a pair of Earth-based L-shaped laser interferometers can drastically impact the detectability of both isotropic and anisotropic gravitational-wave backgrounds.

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References (16)

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