The second generation of interferometric gravitational wave detectors are
quickly approaching their design sensitivity. For the first time these
detectors will become limited by quantum back-action noise. Several back-action
evasion techniques have been proposed to further increase the detector
sensitivity. Since most proposals rely on a flexible readout of the full
amplitude- and phase-quadrature space of the output light field, balanced
homodyne detection is generally expected to replace the currently used DC
readout. Up to now, little investigation has been undertaken into how balanced
homodyne detection can be successfully transferred from its ubiquitous
application in table-top quantum optics experiments to large-scale
interferometers with suspended optics. Here we derive implementation
requirements with respect to local oscillator noise couplings and highlight
potential issues with the example of the Glasgow Sagnac Speed Meter experiment,
as well as for a future upgrade to the Advanced LIGO detectors.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure