Characterization of Dielectric Mirrors

Document #:

LIGO-G1701297-v1

Document type:

G - Presentations (eg Graphics)

Abstract:

Now that Gravitational Waves (GW) have been detected, the effort is towards reducing the noise that limits the sensitivity of GW from deeper in the Universe.
The performance of the mirrors used in GW detectors is limited by thermal noise and light scattering, a result of the manufacturing process. A large number of scatterers were detected in mirror coatings at Cal State LA [ref]. They may be the locus of both scattering and thermal noise.
We attempt to map the distribution of these scatterers within the layers of coating witness samples, both depth-wise and laterally using microscopy and fitting procedures.
If successful, we will be able to provide a tool to guide the development of better performance mirrors and thus extend the detection range of GW detector, contributing to a better understanding of the Universe.

Files in Document:

• LIGO-G1701297v1.pdf (2.2 MB)

Topics:

• Basic R&D
• Core Optics

Authors:

• Lara DaneshgaranBajastani
• Michael Milovich-Goff
• Riccardo DeSalvo
• Jimmy Dinh
• Eric Do
• Lamar Glover

Associated with Events:

Amaldi 12 held on 09 Jul 2017 in Hilton Hotel, Pasadena, CA