Design and development of a prototype single crystalline silicon cryogenic suspension for 3rd generation gravitational wave detectors

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Toland, Karl and Eddolls, Graeme A R and Birney, Imogen A and Cumming, Alan V and Gier, Chalisa and Hammond, Giles D and Haughian, Karen and Hough, James and Jones, Russell and Lacaille, Gregoire and Martin, Iain W and Masso Reid, Mariela and Reid, Stuart and Rowan, Sheila and Wallace, Gavin (2025) Design and development of a prototype single crystalline silicon cryogenic suspension for 3rd generation gravitational wave detectors. Classical and Quantum Gravity, 42 (17). 175006. ISSN 1361-6382 (https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6382/adf8a9)

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Abstract

Current generation gravitational wave detectors rely on ultra-high purity fused silica in the final monolithic stage of the mirror suspension systems for their excellent thermal noise performance. There is however a push to develop cryogenic suspension systems for the next generation detectors, where fused silica loses its superior thermal noise properties. Silicon is an attractive candidate material, and is the baseline design selected for use in the cryogenic Einstein Telescope and brings with it a new set of challenges. This paper outlines what the authors believe to be the world’s first demonstration of a single ribbon hydroxy-catalysis bonded silicon suspension that has cycled between room temperature and a 4 K environment. Also discussed is the characterisation of similar silicon ribbon, detailing work on surface treatments used to improve the ultimate tensile strength alongside the thermal conductivity of the silicon suspension.

ORCID iDs

Toland, Karl, Eddolls, Graeme A R, Birney, Imogen A ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4766-0757, Cumming, Alan V, Gier, Chalisa ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0897-7943, Hammond, Giles D, Haughian, Karen, Hough, James, Jones, Russell, Lacaille, Gregoire, Martin, Iain W, Masso Reid, Mariela, Reid, Stuart ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9728-3507, Rowan, Sheila and Wallace, Gavin;
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