M. Alshourbagy

First characterization of silicon crystalline fibers produced with the μ-pulling technique for future gravitational wave detectors

The design of the gravitational wave interferometric detectors of third generation is under way. An overall improvement of the detector performance can be obtained by reducing a few noise sources, such as seismic noise, shot noise, and most importantly thermal noise. We report here on the design and fabrication of low thermal-noise suspensions made of a new material presently under investigation. An ad hoc technique to produce crystalline silicon fibers has been developed; the first measurements of the fiber mechanical and thermal properties at room temperature have been performed and interpreted. Preliminary measurements of the mechanical losses at low temperature are also discussed.

Measurement of the thermoelastic properties of crystalline Si fibres

In order to reduce the thermal noise in future interferometers for gravitational wave (GW) detectors, new suspension materials with low thermal noise are under investigation. Crystalline silicon seems to be a promising material mainly at low temperature. A new technology to produce crystalline silicon fibres has been realized. Measurements of mechanical and thermal properties of the fibres at room temperature have been performed. Preliminary measurements at low temperature are presented.