Steven D Penn et al 2003 Class. Quantum Grav. 20 2917 doi:10.1088/0264-9381/20/13/334
Steven D Penn1,6, Peter H Sneddon2, Helena Armandula3, Joseph C Betzwieser4, Gianpietro Cagnoli2, Jordan Camp3,7, D R M Crooks2, Martin M Fejer5, Andri M Gretarsson1,8, Gregory M Harry4, Jim Hough2, Scott E Kittelberger1, Michael J Mortonson4, Roger Route5, Sheila Rowan5 and Christophoros C Vassiliou4
Show affiliationsCurrent 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.
04.80.Nn Gravitational wave detectors and experiments
68.35.Gy Mechanical properties; surface strains
77.84.Dy Niobates, titanates, tantalates, PZT ceramics, etc.
Condensed matter: electrical, magnetic and optical
Issue 13 (7 July 2003)
Received 24 February 2003
Published 12 June 2003
Steven D Penn et al 2003 Class. Quantum Grav. 20 2917
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