Development of mirror coatings for gravitational-wave detectors

Steinlechner, J. (2018) Development of mirror coatings for gravitational-wave detectors. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 376(2120), 20170282. (doi: 10.1098/rsta.2017.0282) (PMID:29661974)

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Abstract

Gravitational waves are detected by measuring length changes between mirrors in the arms of kilometrelong Michelson interferometers. Brownian thermal noise arising from thermal vibrations of the mirrors can limit the sensitivity to distance changes between the mirrors, and, therefore, the ability to measure gravitational-wave signals. Thermal noise arising from the highly reflective mirror coatings will limit the sensitivity both of current detectors (when they reach design performance) and of planned future detectors. Therefore, the development of coatings with low thermal noise, which at the same time meet strict optical requirements, is of great importance. This article gives an overview of the current status of coatings and of the different approaches for coating improvement. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘The promises of gravitational-wave astronomy’.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Steinlechner, Dr Jessica
Authors: Steinlechner, J.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
Publisher:Royal Society
ISSN:1364-503X
ISSN (Online):1471-2962
Published Online:16 April 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 The Author
First Published:First published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 376(2120): 20170282
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
624341Investigations in Gravitational Radiation / Particle Astrophysics Capital equipmentSheila RowanScience & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)ST/L000946/1S&E P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY