The realization of third-generation gravitational wave interferometric detectors is under way. An important improvement in detector sensitivity can be obtained with the reduction of thermal noise by reaching a cryogenic stage. Two materials have been identified to perform efficiently at low temperatures: silicon and sapphire. In this work the breaking strength of the silicate bonding that glues cylinders of silicon ( Si) and sapphire (Al2O3) has been investigated. All material combinations, flatness quality and orientations have been tested over time. Breaking strength between Si-Si and Si-Al2O3 shows a value similar to that of fused silica, while Al2O3-Al2O3 does not seem to be a promising combination.
Breaking strength tests on silicon and sapphire bondings for gravitational wave detectors
VOCCA, Helios;GAMMAITONI, Luca
2010
Abstract
The realization of third-generation gravitational wave interferometric detectors is under way. An important improvement in detector sensitivity can be obtained with the reduction of thermal noise by reaching a cryogenic stage. Two materials have been identified to perform efficiently at low temperatures: silicon and sapphire. In this work the breaking strength of the silicate bonding that glues cylinders of silicon ( Si) and sapphire (Al2O3) has been investigated. All material combinations, flatness quality and orientations have been tested over time. Breaking strength between Si-Si and Si-Al2O3 shows a value similar to that of fused silica, while Al2O3-Al2O3 does not seem to be a promising combination.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
