Modeling the Structure of High Performance Optical Coatings
Disciplines
Astrophysics and Astronomy | Computer Sciences | Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Physics
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Gravitational wave detectors such as LIGO use highly reflective low-thermal noise mirrors made up of amorphous oxides coatings. To increase the sensitivity of these detectors, coatings with further reduction in thermal noise are crucial. We explore atomic structure amorphous TiO2-ZrO2 doped GeO2 as it is being studied for application in coatings. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we obtain atomic models and we highlight the key aspects of the atomic structure that might affect the optical and mechanical response of these coatings.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Physics
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Kiran Prasai
Modeling the Structure of High Performance Optical Coatings
Gravitational wave detectors such as LIGO use highly reflective low-thermal noise mirrors made up of amorphous oxides coatings. To increase the sensitivity of these detectors, coatings with further reduction in thermal noise are crucial. We explore atomic structure amorphous TiO2-ZrO2 doped GeO2 as it is being studied for application in coatings. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we obtain atomic models and we highlight the key aspects of the atomic structure that might affect the optical and mechanical response of these coatings.