Interferometric Investigations of the Thermo-Optic Properties of Materials for High-Laser-Power Applications
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Rodica Martin
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 2:15 PM
End Date
26-4-2024 3:15 PM
Description
Gravitational-wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), use high-power lasers and light interference to detect miniature changes in the curvature of space-time fabric produced by merging black holes or colliding neutron stars. Absorption in the optics of the interferometer, when high-power laser beam passes through, gives rise to thermal effects that distort the quality of the beam and deteriorate the performance of the interferometer, ultimately reducing the detection sensitivity. We are investigating thermo-optic properties of materials that are used in one of the key components of the interferometer, a Faraday isolator, to help select promising elements for future upgrades that improve the detection sensitivity. We setup a Michelson interferometer and placed our magneto-optical material CeF3 in one of the arms, and optimized the interference pattern. By heating the barrel of the optic, the interference pattern changes due to the temperature dependence of the index of refraction, as well as of thermal expansion. We recorded the change in the optical path and the temperature, and determined an upper limit of the thermo-optic parameter and compared to that of other materials of interests.
Interferometric Investigations of the Thermo-Optic Properties of Materials for High-Laser-Power Applications
Gravitational-wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), use high-power lasers and light interference to detect miniature changes in the curvature of space-time fabric produced by merging black holes or colliding neutron stars. Absorption in the optics of the interferometer, when high-power laser beam passes through, gives rise to thermal effects that distort the quality of the beam and deteriorate the performance of the interferometer, ultimately reducing the detection sensitivity. We are investigating thermo-optic properties of materials that are used in one of the key components of the interferometer, a Faraday isolator, to help select promising elements for future upgrades that improve the detection sensitivity. We setup a Michelson interferometer and placed our magneto-optical material CeF3 in one of the arms, and optimized the interference pattern. By heating the barrel of the optic, the interference pattern changes due to the temperature dependence of the index of refraction, as well as of thermal expansion. We recorded the change in the optical path and the temperature, and determined an upper limit of the thermo-optic parameter and compared to that of other materials of interests.