Strength testing and SEM imaging of hydroxide-catalysis bonds between silicon

van Veggel, A.A., Scott, J. , Skinner, D.A., Bezensek, B., Cunningham, W. , Hough, J., Martin, I. , Murray, P. , Reid, S. and Rowan, S. (2009) Strength testing and SEM imaging of hydroxide-catalysis bonds between silicon. Classical and Quantum Gravity, 26(17), 175007. (doi: 10.1088/0264-9381/26/17/175007)

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Abstract

Silicon is under consideration as a substrate material for the mirror masses and quasi-monolithic suspension stages of 'third generation' gravitational wave detectors. Identifying a jointing technique to attach the silicon suspension elements to the optics with repeatable high strength and low mechanical loss is critical. Hydroxide-catalysis bonding is the method of choice for current quasi-monolithic silica suspensions. Here we present measurements of the shear strength of hydroxide-catalysis bonds between silicon samples. Strengths of approximately 3.9 N mm<sup>−2</sup> are found, comparable to strengths found for silica to silica bonds. Scanning electron microscope imaging shows that the bonds between two silicon parts with thermally grown SiO<sub>2</sub> layers are wedged with bond thicknesses varying from 30 nm to several micrometres. We suggest a possible explanation for this observation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Reid, Professor Stuart and van Veggel, Dr Marielle and Scott, Dr Jamie and Rowan, Professor Sheila and Martin, Dr Iain and Cunningham, Dr Liam and Hough, Professor James and Murray, Dr Peter
Authors: van Veggel, A.A., Scott, J., Skinner, D.A., Bezensek, B., Cunningham, W., Hough, J., Martin, I., Murray, P., Reid, S., and Rowan, S.
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
Publisher:Institute of Physics
ISSN:0264-9381
ISSN (Online):1361-6382

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
337921UK involvement in advanced LIGOKenneth StrainParticle Physics & Astronomy Research Council (PPARC)ST/G504284/1Physics and Astronomy
459312Investigations in Gravitational Radiation.Sheila RowanScience & Technologies Facilities Council (STFC)ST/I001085/1Physics and Astronomy