Cryogenic optical shadow sensors for future gravitational wave detectors

TL;DR

This paper evaluates cryogenic optical shadow sensors for future gravitational wave detectors, demonstrating their reliable operation at 100 K and improved performance at cryogenic temperatures through simulations and experiments.

Contribution

It presents the first experimental validation of BOSEM shadow sensors operating reliably and more effectively at cryogenic temperatures around 100 K.

Findings

Sensors operate reliably at 100 K

Sensor performance improves at cryogenic temperatures

Experimental results support future cryogenic gravitational wave detector upgrades

Abstract

Displacement sensors have a variety of applications within gravitational wave detectors. The seismic isolation chain of the LIGO core optics utilises optical shadow sensors for their stabilisation. Future upgrades, such as LIGO Voyager, plan to operate at cryogenic temperatures to reduce their thermal noise and will require cryogenic displacement sensors. We present the results of simulations and experimental tests of the shadow sensors embedded in the Birmingham Optical Sensors and Electromagnetic Motors (BOSEMs). We determine that the devices can reliably viability operate at 100 K. We also show that the performance of the BOSEM sensors improves at cryogenic temperatures.