Identify Morphology of Initial LIGO Core Optics Scatter Sites: Year 2
EMSL Project ID
37497
Abstract
The core optics in the Initial LIGO project all show numerous scatter points when illuminated by the interferometer beam. The scatter points are a source of loss in the interferometer, and thus are a serious issue as LIGO prepares to invest in a new set of optics. Identifying the presence of the scattering points has been refined and studied, but identifying the exact size, shape, location, and density of these points is not possible with equipment currently available to the LIGO project. This proposal is to test the witness plates (coated at the same time as the core optics) using the SEM at EMSL. Revealing the morphology of the scattering sites is a first step in identifying their source, and will be used to refine the Advanced LIGO core optics production process to minimize the features that cause the scattering. The results are nonproprietary, and will be included in publications on the characterization of the Initial LIGO core optics, and in future publications about the Advanced LIGO core optics.Call for Proposal: Open Call
Type of Proposal: General
Type of Access: Standard
Proprietary Status: Non-Proprietary
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2010-03-29
End Date
2010-04-06
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator