Probing the atomic structure of amorphous Ta2O5 mirror coatings for advanced gravitational wave detectors using transmission electron microscopy

Document #:

LIGO-P0900079-v2

Document type:

P - Publications

Abstract:

Advanced generations of ground-based gravitational wave detectors will use ultra-low-loss amorphous dielectric multilayer mirror coatings in order to minimise thermal noise, a limiting factor in detector sensitivity. Transmission electron microscopy is a promising way to probe the atomic structure of these coatings in an effort to better understand the causes of the observed mechanical loss (internal friction) and hence thermal noise.

Files in Document:

• EMAG conference proceeding (EMAG publication 070709.pdf, 490.8 kB)

Topics:

• Basic R&D

Authors:

• James Hough
• Riccardo Bassiri
• Sheila Rowan

Keywords:

coatings