Investigating a Parametric Instability in the LIGO Test Masses
The study of gravitational waves has the potential to radically broaden our current understanding of the universe. The LIGO laser interferometer gravitational-wave detectors are aimed at developing gravitational-wave astronomy, but noise is still a major concern. In particular, we will investigate the potential for radiation pressure to further excite existing acoustic vibrations in the mirror test masses, resulting in parametric instability. During the course of the talk, we will develop a theoretical framework on which we can build a numerical model of the physical system at hand. In this way, we can construct a map of parametric instability in the context of gravitational wave astronomy.