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

Gretarsson, A.M., Harry, G.M., Penn, S.D., Saulson, P.R., Startin, W.J., Rowan, S. , Cagnoli, G. and Hough, J. (2000) Pendulum mode thermal noise in advanced interferometers: a comparison of fused silica fibers and ribbons in the presence of surface loss. Physics Letters A, 270(3-4), 108 -114. (doi: 10.1016/S0375-9601(00)00295-4)

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cagnoli, Dr Gianpietro and Rowan, Professor Sheila and Hough, Professor James
• Authors: Gretarsson, A.M., Harry, G.M., Penn, S.D., Saulson, P.R., Startin, W.J., Rowan, S., Cagnoli, G., and Hough, J.
• Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Research Centre: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy > Institute for Gravitational Research
• Journal Name: Physics Letters A
• ISSN: 0375-9601