Modal frequency degeneracy in thermally loaded optical resonators

Document #:

LIGO-P070088-x0

Document type:

P - Publications

Abstract:

We observe power coupling from the fundamental mode to frequency-degenerate higher-order spatial modes in optical resonators illuminated with a 30 W laser. Thermally-induced modal frequency degeneracy facilitates power transfer from the fundamental mode to higher-order modes, reduces power coupling into the cavity, and triggers power fluctuations. Modeling thermoelastic deformation of a mirror's surface shows predicted modal frequency degeneracy to be in reasonable agreement with experimental observations. Predictions for the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) show that the circulating fundamental-mode power necessary for gravitational-wave detection is compromised at coating absorptions of 3.8 and 0.44 ppm for Enhanced and Advanced LIGO Fabry-Pérot cavities, respectively.

Files in Document:

• P070088-P.pdf (file is not accessible)

Other Files:

• P070088-00.pdf (file is not accessible)
• P070088-01.pdf (file is not accessible)

Topics:

• Document Migration from the old DCC
• Public relations

Authors:

• Robert L Byer
• Martin Fejer
• Brian Lantz
• Amber Bullington

Notes and Changes:

Rev P070088-P-Z:
- Full document number: LIGO-P070088-P-Z
- Author(s): Amber Bullington; Brian Lantz; M. M. Fejer; Robert L. Byer
- Document date: 2008-05-14
- Document received date: 2008-09-25
- Document entry date: 2008-09-25
- Citation reference: Applied Optics, Vol. 47, No. 15, 20 May 2008

Rev P070088-01-Z:
- Full document number: LIGO-P070088-01-Z
- Author(s): Amber Bullington; Brian Lantz; M. M. Fejer; Robert L. Byer
- Document date: 2007-12-03
- Document received date: 2007-12-04
- Document entry date: 2007-12-04

Rev P070088-00-Z:
- Full document number: LIGO-P070088-00-Z
- Author(s): Amber Bullington; Brian Lantz; M. M. Fejer; Robert L. Byer
- Document date: 2007-08-03
- Document received date: 2007-08-03
- Document entry date: 2007-12-04

Publication Information:

http://www.opticsinfobase.org/ao/abstract.cfm?uri=ao-47-15-2840