Coming clean: understanding and mitigating optical contamination and laser induced damage in advanced LIGO

Kaitlin E. Gushwa; Calum I. Torrie

doi:10.1117/12.2066909

31 October 2014 Coming clean: understanding and mitigating optical contamination and laser induced damage in advanced LIGO

Kaitlin E. Gushwa, Calum I. Torrie

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9237, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 2014; 923702 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2066909
Event: SPIE Laser Damage, 2014, Boulder, Colorado, United States

Abstract

The cleanliness of optical surfaces is of great concern as the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) project transitions from installation to operation at full power. More particulates than expected were observed on and near the core optics as a result of assembly and installation work, prompting a re-evaluation of longheld contamination control practices. Even low particulate levels can potentially damage the fused silica optics and reduce overall interferometer sensitivity. These risks are mitigated from a combination of the following approaches: quantifying the extent of the contamination, identifying its sources, improving practices to reduce the generation of particulates, introducing a non-contact in-situ cleaning technique for suspended optics in air, qualifying cleanliness levels against induced damage, and developing methods for remotely measuring and cleaning suspended optics under vacuum. While significant progress has been made in understanding and mitigating contamination, and thus, protecting the optics from losses and damage, there is still more work to be done to reach ultimate performance requirements.

Citation Download Citation

Kaitlin E. Gushwa and Calum I. Torrie "Coming clean: understanding and mitigating optical contamination and laser induced damage in advanced LIGO", Proc. SPIE 9237, Laser-Induced Damage in Optical Materials: 2014, 923702 (31 October 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2066909

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