Pendulum mode thermal noise in advanced interferometers: A comparison of fused silica fibers and ribbons in the presence of surface loss

Andri M. Gretarsson, Gregory M. Harry, Steven D. Penn, Peter R. Saulson, William J. Startin, Sheila Rowan, Gianpietro Cagnoli, Jim Hough

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

The use of fused-silica ribbons as suspensions in gravitational wave interferometers can result in significant improvements in pendulum mode thermal noise. Surface loss sets a lower bound to the level of noise achievable, at what level depends on the dissipation depth and other physical parameters. For LIGO II, the high breaking strength of pristine fused silica filaments, the correct choice of ribbon aspect ratio (to minimize thermoelastic damping), and low dissipation depth combined with the other achievable parameters can reduce the pendulum mode thermal noise in a ribbon suspension well below the radiation pressure noise. Despite producing higher levels of pendulum mode thermal noise, cylindrical fiber suspensions provide an acceptable alternative for LIGO II, should unforeseen problems with ribbon suspensions arise. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)108-114
Number of pages7
JournalPhysics Letters, Section A: General, Atomic and Solid State Physics
Volume270
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 29 2000

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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