Frequency and surface dependence of the mechanical loss in fused silica

TL;DR

This paper compiles and analyzes measurements of mechanical loss in fused silica to understand how it varies with frequency and surface properties, aiding the design of ultra-sensitive gravitational wave detectors.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive model of mechanical loss dependence on frequency and surface-to-volume ratio in fused silica, enhancing detector material selection.

Findings

Mechanical loss varies with frequency and surface-to-volume ratio.

The model improves predictions of fused silica's mechanical behavior.

Results support the development of low-loss materials for gravitational wave detectors.

Abstract

We have compiled measurements of the mechanical loss in fused silica from samples spanning a wide range of geometries and resonant frequency in order to model the known variation of the loss with frequency and surface-to-volume ratio. This improved understanding of the mechanical loss has contributed significantly to the design of advanced interferometric gravitational wave detectors, which require ultra-low loss materials for their test mass mirrors.