Direct measurement of absorption-induced wavefront distortion in high optical power systems

Wavefront distortion due to absorption in the substrates and coatings of mirrors in advanced gravitational wave interferometers has the potential to compromise the operation and sensitivity of these interferometers [Opt. Lett.29, 2635-2637 (2004)]. We report the first direct spatially-resolved measu...

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Published inApplied optics. Optical technology and biomedical optics Vol. 48; no. 2; p. 355
Main Authors Brooks, Aidan F, Hosken, David, Munch, Jesper, Veitch, Peter J, Yan, Zewu, Zhao, Chunnong, Fan, Yaohui, Ju, Li, Blair, David, Willems, Phil, Slagmolen, Bram, Degallaix, Jerome
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 10.01.2009
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Summary:Wavefront distortion due to absorption in the substrates and coatings of mirrors in advanced gravitational wave interferometers has the potential to compromise the operation and sensitivity of these interferometers [Opt. Lett.29, 2635-2637 (2004)]. We report the first direct spatially-resolved measurement, to our knowledge, of such wavefront distortion in a high optical power cavity. The measurement was made using an ultrahigh sensitivity Hartmann wavefront sensor on a dedicated test facility. The sensitivity of the sensor was lambda/730, where lambda=800 nm.
ISSN:2155-3165
DOI:10.1364/AO.48.000355