LIGO Document P070088-x0

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.
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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

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