Advanced LIGO subsystems
are the organizational units of the overall project. Follow the links below to view the mission and progress of each subsystem.
Auxiliary Optics | Core Optics |
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Data Acquisition | Data and Computing Systems |
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Facilities Modifications |
Input Optics |
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Interferometer Control |
Pre-Stabilized Laser |
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Seismic Isolation |
Suspensions |
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LIGO Technology Development and Migration
Explore the menu of case study links (left) to view impacts of LIGO technology across the broader science and engineering community.
Technology Type: Materials Engineering
Oxide Bonding Techniques for Jointing Silicon Carbide
** Inventors: Sheila Rowan, James Hough, Eoin John Eliffe
** Institutions: Glasgow University and Stanford University
** Patent Application: US2007/0221326)
** Contact: Sheila Rowan
Sheila.Rowan(at)glasgow.ac.uk, 0141.330.4701
** Supporting Agencies: NSF and PIPSS
** Technology Source: LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) members
outside of LIGO Laboratory
** Patent Thumbnail
Jointing techniques with high mechanical strength and stability are required for use in the fabrication of optical systems used in space-based applications such as telescope assemblies and optical benches. The original technique of hydroxy-catalysis, or "silicate" bonding was invented and patented at Stanford University by Gwo (1) for the purpose of jointing the fused silica pieces forming the star-tracking telescope assembly used in the Gravity Probe B space experiment. LIGO has used a variant of this technique to fabricate the quasi-monolithic fused silica suspensions now being installed for Advanced LIGO and previously used in the GEO 600 gravitational wave detector.
This technique was selected for use in ground-based gravitational wave detectors because of its high strength with very thin bonding layers combined with low mechanical loss (2), thus maintaining low thermal noise.
The original technology has been transferred to a number of optical vendors. Development of Oxide-bonding techniques was supported by a PIPSS technology transfer award to SpanOptic Ltd (UK), with a patent granted for bonding silicon carbide (US2007/0221326 A1). In addition, further contracts and partnerships have been established in this area with Gooch and Housego (UK), HighYaG (Germany) and Calyxo (USA).
References
1. Gwo, D-H2001 Ultra precision and reliable bonding method United States Patent Number US6284085B1
2. Mechanical Losses Associated with the Technique of Hydroxide-catalysis Bonding of Fused Silica, S. Rowan et al. Phys. Lett A, 246 (1998) pp471-478.
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