Date of Award

8-23-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Physics

Advisor(s)

Stefan Ballmer

Keywords

Adaptive Optics;LIGO;Optical Coatings

Subject Categories

Optics | Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Physics

Abstract

Since the first gravitational wave detection, the Laser Interferometric Gravitational Wave Observatories (LIGO) combined with an expanding and co-observing global gravitational wave network (i.e. Virgo, KAGRA) has worked to increase a novel and growing astronomical data catalog of gravitational wave detections. With each additional observing run, rates of detection continue to increase with iterative upgrades to detector technology. Discussed within this thesis are considerations pertinent to the improvement of Dual Recycled Fabry-Perot Michelson interferometer (DRFPMI) thermodynamics proposed during LIGO's third observing run (O3) for present and future detectors. The first chapter reviews fundamental material relevant to gravitational waves and how DRFPMI are used to detect them. The second discusses comissioning work on LIGO's thermal compensation system during O3 for detector operation at high power. The third introduces thermal noise and birefringent noise for a proposed highly reflective crystalline (GaAs/AlGaAs) coating candidate propped up for its ultra-low thermal noise properties. The fourth proposes a measurement strategy to acquire a calibrated electro-optic noise estimate. The fifth is a published paper providing a calibrated electro-optic response. The final chapter provides conclusive retrospection of the work covered in the prior chapters.

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Open Access

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