LIGO Document T952011-v1

Optical Pathlength Noise in Sensitive Interferometers Due to Residual Gas

Document #:
LIGO-T952011-v1
Document type:
T - Technical notes
Other Versions:
LIGO-T952011-x0
01 Jun 1995, 00:00
Abstract:
An analysis of the noise in the apparent optical pathlength in an interferometer due to
the presence of statistical fluctuations in the passage of gas molecules through a laser
beam is presented. An experimental test using a 40 m long prototype interferometer
confirms the main predictions of the model regarding the dependence on frequency,
pressure, molecular polarizability and molecular speed. The results are used to derive
the vacuum requirements for the planned Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave
Observatory (LIGO).
Files in Document:
  • PDF (SKM_22723042408400.pdf, 499.4 kB)
Notes and Changes:
Unpublished draft combining elements of T840003, T890025 and P940008.

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