As a data analysis application we have shown that it is possible to identify specific TDI combinations
that will allow LISA to achieve optimal sensitivity to gravitational radiation [19, 21, 20]. The
resulting improvement in sensitivity over that of an unequal-arm Michelson interferometer, in the
case of monochromatic signals randomly distributed over the celestial sphere and of random
polarization, is non-negligible. We have found this to be equal to a factor of in the low-part
of the frequency band, and slightly more than
in the high-part of the LISA band. The
SNR for binaries whose location in the sky is known, but their polarization is not, can also
be optimized, and the degree of improvement depends on the location of the source in the
sky.
As a final remark we would like to emphasize that this field of research, TDI, is still very young and evolving. Possible physical phenomena, yet unrecognized, might turn out to be important to account for within the TDI framework. The purpose of this review was to provide the basic mathematical tools needed for working on future TDI projects. We hope to have accomplished this goal, and that others will be stimulated to work in this new and fascinating field of research.
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