Charge neutralization in vacuum for non-conducting and isolated objects using directed low-energy electron and ion beams

Document #:

LIGO-P070098-x0

Document type:

P - Publications

Abstract:

We propose using ions and electrons of energy 1 eV–10 eV for neutralizing the charges on the non-conducting or isolated surfaces of high-sensitivity experiments. The mirror surfaces of the test masses of the laser interferometer gravitational observatory are used as an example of the implementation of this method. By alternatively directing beams of positive and negative charges towards the mirror surfaces, we ensure the neutralization of the total charge as well as the equalization of the surface charge distribution to within a few eV of the potential of the ground reference of the vacuum system. This method is compatible with operation in high vacuum, does not require measuring the potential of the mirrors and is expected not to damage sensitive optical surfaces.

Files in Document:

• P070098-03.pdf (641.1 kB)

Other Files:

• P070098-00.pdf (494.7 kB)
• P070098-01.pdf (355.0 kB)
• P070098-02.pdf (384.5 kB)
• P070098-P.pdf (891.6 kB)

Topics:

• Public relations
• Document Migration from the old DCC

Authors:

• Ke Xun Sun
• Norna Robertson
• Robert L Byer
• Saps Buchman
• Dale Gill

Notes and Changes:

Rev P070098-03-Z:
- Full document number: LIGO-P070098-03-Z
- Author(s): Saps Buchman; Robert L. Byer; Dale Gill; Norna Robertson; Ke-xun Sun
- Document date: 2007-12-07
- Document received date: 2008-01-16
- Document entry date: 2008-01-16
- Citation reference: Classical and Quantum Gravity 25 (2008) 035004 (9pp)

Rev P070098-02-Z:
- Full document number: LIGO-P070098-02-Z
- Author(s): Saps Buchman; Robert L. Byer; Dale Gill; Norna Robertson; Ke-xun Sun
- Document date: 2007-11-15
- Document received date: 2007-11-26
- Document entry date: 2007-11-26

Rev P070098-01-Z:
- Full document number: LIGO-P070098-01-Z
- Author(s): Saps Buchman; Robert L. Byer; Dale Gill; Norna Robertson; Ke-xun Sun
- Document date: 2007-10-05
- Document received date: 2007-10-05
- Document entry date: 2007-10-05

Rev P070098-00-Z:
- Full document number: LIGO-P070098-00-Z
- Author(s): Saps Buchman; Robert L. Byer; Dale Gill; Norna Robertson; Ke-xun Sun
- Document date: 2007-09-06
- Document received date: 2007-09-06
- Document entry date: 2007-09-06

Journal References:

Published in Class Quant Grav vol. 25 pg. 035004 (9pp).

Publication Information:

http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0264-9381/25/3/035004