2021/11/17 by A. Cumming, A. V. Cumming, R. Jones +13
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations #FOS: Physical sciences #Instrumentation and Detectors (physics.ins-det) #Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics (astro-ph.IM) #Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research #Seismic Waves and Analysis #astro-ph.IM #physics.ins-det
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2111.09119
7 pages, 5 figures
arxiv created 2021/11/17 · openalex publication_date 2021/11/17 · arxiv updated 2021/11/18 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Thermal noise from the suspension fibres used in the mirror pendulums in current gravitational wave detectors is a critical noise source. Future detectors will require improved suspension performance with the specific ability to suspend much heavier masses to reduce radiation pressure noise, whilst retaining good thermal noise performance. In this letter, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a design for a large-scale fused silica suspension, demonstrating its suitability for holding an increased mass of 160 kg. We demonstrate the concepts for improving thermal noise via longer suspension fibres supporting a higher static stress. We present a full thermal noise analysis of our prototype, meeting requirements for conceptual 3rd generation detector designs such as the high frequency interferometer of the Einstein Telescope (ET-HF), and closely approaching that required for Cosmic Explorer (CE).