Mechanical loss in tantala/silica dielectric mirror coatings

Penn, S.D. et al. (2003) Mechanical loss in tantala/silica dielectric mirror coatings. Classical and Quantum Gravity, 20(13), 2917 -2928. (doi: 10.1088/0264-9381/20/13/334)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0264-9381/20/13/334

Abstract

Current interferometric gravitational wave detectors use test masses with mirror coatings formed from multiple layers of dielectric materials, most commonly alternating layers Of SiO2 (silica) and Ta2O5 (tantala). However, mechanical loss in the Ta2O5/SiO2 coatings may limit the design sensitivity for advanced detectors. We have investigated sources of mechanical loss in the Ta2O5/SiO2 coatings, including loss associated with the coating-substrate interface, with the coating-layer interfaces and with the coating materials. Our results indicate that the loss is associated with the coating materials and that the loss of Ta2O5 is substantially larger than that Of SiO2.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cagnoli, Dr Gianpietro and Rowan, Professor Sheila and Crooks, Dr David and Hough, Professor James and Sneddon, Dr Peter
Authors: Penn, S.D., Sneddon, P.H., Armandula, H., Betzwieser, J.C., Cagnoli, G., Camp, J., Crooks, D.R.M., Fejer, M.M., Gretarsson, A.M., Harry, G.M., Hough, J., Kittelberger, S.E., Mortonson, M.J., Route, R., Rowan, S., and Vassiliou, C.C.
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:Classical and Quantum Gravity
ISSN:0264-9381
ISSN (Online):1361-6382

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