Low mechanical loss coatings for LIGO optics: progress report

Roger P. Netterfield; Mark Gross; Fred N. Baynes; Katie L. Green; Gregory M. Harry; Helena Armandula; Sheila Rowan; Jim Hough; David R. M. Crooks; Martin M. Fejer; Roger Route; Steven D. Penn

doi:10.1117/12.618288

19 August 2005 Low mechanical loss coatings for LIGO optics: progress report

Roger P. Netterfield, Mark Gross, Fred N. Baynes, Katie L. Green, Gregory M. Harry, Helena Armandula, Sheila Rowan, Jim Hough, David R. M. Crooks, Martin M. Fejer, Roger Route, Steven D. Penn

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5870, Advances in Thin-Film Coatings for Optical Applications II; 58700H (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.618288
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

A significant limiting factor on the sensitivity of interferometric gravitational wave detectors has been identified as thermal noise generated by mechanical loss in the high reflectivity dielectric mirror coatings on the test masses. The development of coatings which maintain high optical performance and minimize mechanical loss is therefore vital if the current designs of interferometers are to achieve adequate sensitivity. While the origins of the mechanical loss are yet to be fully elucidated, some progress has been made toward minimizing it, although there is still some way to go before specifications can be met. The work reported here is progress made toward achieving low mechanical loss coatings on behalf of the LIGO consortium. The current directions include attempts to reduce the loss in the coating materials by control of the coating stoichiometry and intrinsic stress. This includes such methods as ion bombardment of the growing films and optimization of post-deposition thermal treatments.

Citation Download Citation

Roger P. Netterfield, Mark Gross, Fred N. Baynes, Katie L. Green, Gregory M. Harry, Helena Armandula, Sheila Rowan, Jim Hough, David R. M. Crooks, Martin M. Fejer, Roger Route, and Steven D. Penn "Low mechanical loss coatings for LIGO optics: progress report", Proc. SPIE 5870, Advances in Thin-Film Coatings for Optical Applications II, 58700H (19 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.618288

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