Developing suspension hardware for next generation gravitational wave detectors

The Institute for Gravitational Research is a leader in the development of suspension hardware for current and future gravitational wave detectors. We currently provide the technology which underpins the aLIGO detectors and their A+ upgrade. Indeed it was the development of fully monolithic fused silica suspensions which was an essential step to lower the thermal noise floor of the aLIGO instruments to enable them to detect the first gravitational waves in 2015.

This project will further develop suspension technology for the third generation instruments currently under panning/development. This could include a Cosmic Explorer detector located in the US or an Einstein Telescope High Frequency instrument located in Europe. In common with these designs is the need to develop a fully monolithic suspensions which is capable of increasing the suspended mass up to 200-400kg (compared to 40kg in aLIGO). The final suspension stage will also be increased to enable a further improvement in the thermal noise performance.

The project will focus on developing a fully engineered suspension for a third generation detector, focussing in particular on the most efficient way to pull fused silica fibres, weld them onto the sides of the test mass attachment ears, and the design of the ears themselves, to ensure that they meet the structural requirements of the suspensions.