High power, double-clad, cw Nd:YAG slab laser
Date
2005
Authors
Mudge, D.
Veitch, P.
Munch, J.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
16th National Congress of the Australian Institute of Physics [electronic resource] : physics for the nation : congress proceedings / [Max Colla (ed.)]
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Australian Institute of Physics Congress (16th : 2005 : Canberra, A.C.T.)
Abstract
The performance of a gravitational wave interferometer (GWI) is degraded by distortion of the optics due to absorption of optical power. To maintain performance, detection and active compensation of the distortion are necessary[1]. We are developing an off-axis Hartmann wavefront sensor that can measure the distortion without interfering with the circulating optical power in the interferometer. Our measurement analysis yields the axial and radial distribution of the optical distortion. This allows us to resolve different thermo-refractive and thermo-elastic effects from a single measurement. We shall discuss the development of the sensor, analysis of off-axis measurements and the latest results. [1] R. Lawrence, M. Zucker, P. Fritschel, P. Marfuta, and D. Shoemaker, Classical and Quantum Gravity. 19(7), 1803, 2002.