Investigation of beam clipping in the Power Recycling Cavity of Advanced LIGO using FINESSE

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Abstract:: This note documents a preliminary simulation investigation using FINESSE into possible causes of the observed reduction in power recycling gain in the L1 power recycled Michelson interferometer (PRMI). This note aims to describe the evidence from measurements made on site, to record the methods and results of the simulation effort, and to suggest a conclusion for the likely cause of the observed reduction in circulating light power.
Preliminary conclusion: the observed power build up can be explained largely by considering the greater than expected clipping at the central beam-splitter, due to the larger beam-sizes in the power recycling cavity.

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LIGO Document T1300954-v2