TheperfectmirrorhookX-rayscatteringmeasurementsofcrystallitecontaminationinrapidlyquenched(Mo0.6Ru0.4)Bx.docVIP

The perfect mirror hook? X-ray scattering measurements of crystallite contamination in rapidly quenched (Mo0.6Ru0.4)1-xBx Brian Emmerson Gonville Caius College Cambridge, CB2 1TA, UK Caltech LIGO SURF 2002 Mentor: Dr Riccardo DeSalvo LIGO project, Caltech Pasadena, CA 91125, USA Abstract In a bid to reduce suspension thermal noise in the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), it has been suggested that the interferometer’s mirror suspensions be replaced with metallic flex joints made from amorphous refractory metal-based alloys, namely (Mo0.6Ru0.4)1-xBx. Presented here are a brief outline how these ‘glassy metals’ are made and the problems associated with sample inhomogeneity. To address this issue, x-ray diffraction measurements are made of specimens produced by splat cooling and the qualitative variation in composition within these samples is investigated. Angular shifts in diffraction data are discussed in the context of samples not being mounted coaxially with the x-ray detector and not found to account accurately for the observed shifts. Some attempts at quantitative analysis of phase composition are also outlined, including a technique that may allow determination of volume fractions to a precision of the order 1%. 1. Introduction The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory1 (LIGO) is being developed to detect and study the gravitational waves predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity. This theory anticipates the occurrence of ripples (gravitational waves) in space-time, emanating at the speed of light from massive accelerating objects. Once detected, gravitational waves will be used to provide a wealth of detailed information about their sources and a revolutionary means with which to investigate strongly gravitating bodies in the universe. LIGO and all other Earth-based gravitational wave detectors use Michelson-Morley laser interferometers with test mass mirrors suspended at each end of the interferomet