1,738 research outputs found
Thermoelastic-damping noise from sapphire mirrors in a fundamental-noise-limited interferometer
We report the first high-precision interferometer using large sapphire
mirrors, and we present the first direct, broadband measurements of the
fundamental thermal noise in these mirrors. Our results agree well with the
thermoelastic-damping noise predictions of Braginsky, et al. [Phys. Lett. A
264, 1(1999)] and Cerdonio, et al.[Phys. Rev. D 63, 082003 (2001)], which have
been used to predict the astrophysical reach of advanced interferometric
gravitational wave detectors.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure
Particle Dynamics in Damped Nonlinear Quadrupole Ion Traps
We examine the motions of particles in quadrupole ion traps as a function of
damping and trapping forces, including cases where nonlinear damping or
nonlinearities in the electric field geometry play significant roles. In the
absence of nonlinearities, particles are either damped to the trap center or
ejected, while their addition brings about a rich spectrum of stable closed
particle trajectories. In three-dimensional (3D) quadrupole traps, the extended
orbits are typically confined to the trap axis, and for this case we present a
1D analysis of the relevant equation of motion. We follow this with an analysis
of 2D quadrupole traps that frequently show diamond-shaped closed orbits. For
both the 1D and 2D cases we present experimental observations of the calculated
trajectories in microparticle ion traps. We also report the discovery of a new
collective behavior in damped 2D microparticle ion traps, where particles
spontaneously assemble into a remarkable knot of overlapping, corotating
diamond orbits, self-stabilized by air currents arising from the particle
motion
Enhanced photothermal displacement spectroscopy for thin-film characterization using a Fabry-Perot resonator
We have developed a technique for photothermal displacement spectroscopy that is potentially orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional methods. We use a single Fabry-Perot resonator to enhance both the intensity of the pump beam and the sensitivity of the probe beam. The result is an enhancement of the response of the instrument by a factor proportional to the square of the finesse of the cavity over conventional interferometric measurements. In this paper we present a description of the technique, and we discuss how the properties of thin films can be deduced from the photothermal response. As an example of the technique, we report a measurement of the thermal properties of a multilayer dielectric mirror similar to those used in interferometric gravitational wave detectors
Arthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repair: A prospective study on cost savings, surgical time, and outcomes
Objectives: Health expenditures in the United States are outpacing national income, and affordability has become a major policy issue. Over 500,000 rotator cuff repairs (RCR) are performed annually in the United States making RCR a potential source of cost savings. Arthroscopic trans-osseous equivalent (TOE) repair using a double row of anchors has shown superior biomechanical strength compared to other techniques, but at a higher cost. The arthroscopic transosseous (TO) repair is a novel technique allowing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to be performed without suture anchors. Arthroscopic TO repair may be a means to provide similarly excellent patient outcomes while lowering the cost of care. The primary purpose is to compare the price differential and time of surgery for an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using anchorless TO repair verses an anchor trans-osseous equivalent (TOE) repair. A secondary purpose of the study was to evaluate outcomes at 6 months postoperatively. Methods: A prospective, case-controlled study evaluating arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using two techniques was performed. The study group consisting of 21 patients undergoing TO repair was compared to a control group consisting of 22 patients undergoing TOE repair. The groups were controlled for size of tear, biceps treatment, acromioplasty, distal clavicle excision, and labral pathology. The primary outcome measures were surgical time as well as total cost of implants and equipment for each surgery, determined by an independent third party, Atlanticare Hospital. Secondary outcomes were changes in the SST, VAS, and SANE scores. Results: Mean total surgical implant/equipment cost per procedure for TOE repair was 1204.97 (SD 330.69; p\u3c0.0001). Mean cut to close time for TOE repair was 85 minutes (95% CI is 77-90) verses 74 (95% CI = 71-98) for TO repair. A log rank test revealed no difference in time (p =0.95). A linear regression model was developed to evaluate the change in SST, VAS, and SANE scores from pre-op to 6 months follow-up. Our study was underpowered but no difference in outcome was observed. Conclusion: Arthroscopic TO rotator cuff repair is a cost savings and time neutral technique compared to TOE repair. A mean of $1100 can be saved in surgical cost per case. In a country that performs over 500,000 RCRs annually, utilizing a TO repair technique can provide substantial cost savings to the healthcare system. © The Author(s) 2015
A basic Michelson laser interferometer for the undergraduate teaching laboratory demonstrating picometer sensitivity
We describe a basic Michelson laser interferometer experiment for the undergraduate teaching laboratory that achieves picometer sensitivity in a hands-on, table-top instrument. In addition to providing an introduction to interferometer physics and optical hardware, the experiment also focuses on precision measurement techniques including servo control, signal modulation, phase-sensitive detection, and different types of signal averaging. Students examine these techniques in a series of steps that take them from micron-scale sensitivity using direct fringe counting to picometer sensitivity using a modulated signal and phase-sensitive signal averaging. After students assemble, align, and characterize the interferometer, they then use it to measure nanoscale motions of a simple harmonic oscillator system as a substantive example of how laser interferometry can be used as an effective tool in experimental science
Effect of quantum and thermal jitter on the feasibility of Bekenstein’s proposed experiment to search for Planck-scale signals
A proposed experiment to test whether space is discretized [J. D. Bekenstein, Phys. Rev. D 86, 124040 (2012); Found. Phys. 44, 452 (2014)] is based on the supposed impossibility of an incident photon causing a displacement of a transparent block by less than the Planck length. An analysis of the quantum and thermal jitter of the block shows that it greatly diminishes the possibility that the experiment could reveal Planck-scale signals
Measurement of Thermal Noise in Multilayer Coatings with Optimized Layer Thickness
A standard quarter-wavelength multilayer optical coating will produce the
highest reflectivity for a given number of coating layers, but in general it
will not yield the lowest thermal noise for a prescribed reflectivity. Coatings
with the layer thicknesses optimized to minimize thermal noise could be useful
in future generation interferometric gravitational wave detectors where coating
thermal noise is expected to limit the sensitivity of the instrument. We
present the results of direct measurements of the thermal noise of a standard
quarter-wavelength coating and a low noise optimized coating. The measurements
indicate a reduction in thermal noise in line with modeling predictions.Comment: 8 pages, 14 figure
Direct Observation of Broadband Coating Thermal Noise in a Suspended Interferometer
We have directly observed broadband thermal noise in silica/tantala coatings
in a high-sensitivity Fabry-Perot interferometer. Our result agrees well with
the prediction based on indirect, ring-down measurements of coating mechanical
loss, validating that method as a tool for the development of advanced
interferometric gravitational-wave detectors.Comment: Final version synchronized with publication in Phys. Lett.
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