Weekly Report for Week Ending February 14, 2002

The LIGO Executive Committee Agenda for Monday  February 18, 2002 will be:

 CANCELLED DUE TO HOLIDAY

Special Announcements:

Weekly Report Highlights
 

LSC Issues (Weiss)

no report

LIGO I Construction/LIGO Laboratory Administration (Lindquist)

LIGO Operations--Administration

A Site Teleconference was held on Thursday, Frebruary 14, 2002.  Discussion included the status of FY 2002 costs-to-date, of NSF funding and the Cooperative Agreement, the establishment and budgeting of FY 2002 accounts, the FY 2002 Financial Reporting format, as well as the status of the construction at the two sites.

• Budget status: reports have been distributed.  The financial position will be discussed next week.
• Additional "excess property" cubicles in good condition have been located and reserved for consideration at the sites.
• Ed Chargois is planning to take annual  inventories at Livingston, MIT, and Hanford during March, April, and May respectively.  Details to follow as they develop.

From: Ed Chargois <chargois_e@ligo.caltech.edu>

• Assisted the Detector Group (H. Armandula) with packing and shipping of two (2) substrates, Serial Numbers 11 and 12, to MIT (G. Harry), scheduled arrival date: 2/11/02. Account Number P157746.
• Assisted the Detector Group (H. Armandula) with packing and shipping of four (4) optics to J.L. Woods Optical Systems of Santa Ana, CA (S. Dianda), receipt confirmed. Account Number P204317.
• Assisted the Detector Group (J. Romie ) with packing and shipping of thirty (30) individually wrapped 40m Test Mass Suspension Stainless Steel and Aluminum Parts to LHO (B. Rivera), scheduled arrival date: 2/8/02.  Account Number P 205472.

>From: Linda Turner - turner@ligo.caltech.edu>

Web pages for the DCC give simple how-to's for document numbering, easy access to the latest on-line documents, and search capabilities for the DCC database. Take a look. . .

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• No report this week.

ACTIVITY

• Another busy week for processing electronic docs
• Progress continues on conversion of old financial reports to electronic form.
 

02/14/02	Packages	Faxes
In	37	41
Out	09	33

From: Esther Cunningham <esther@ligo.caltech.edu>

Press here for ACCOUNTS PAYABLE HISTORY DATA .

From: "Brambila, Ruth" <Ruth.Brambila@caltech.edu>

• Transferred funds to FY2002 accounts on Taylor Porter Brooks, Red Wing, Job Dr., Town of Livingston, Pasadena Eye Medical, GP Manufacturing, Triad and Newark Electronics.  Added Ryan to the Viking blanket.    Worked on change orders to Excel Group, F Kaufman, Sydney Meshkov, and Research Electro Optics.
• Issued several one time purchase orders and reconciled pcard.
• Sent out a cancellation notice to Heritage Landscape effective Feb 28, 2002 and am working on setting up the new agreement with Landscape Horizon effective March 1, 2002 for LHO landscape maintenance.
• Working on complete the audio/visual presentation system contract today.

• Completed the reports for Operations for both fiscal periods 2001 and 2002, Construction and R&D as of the end of January 2002.

Prepared and submitted four Fabricated Equipment Request Forms for the HAM & BSC chambers and the prototypes for these chambers in the R&D area of the FY2002 award.  Also prepared and submitted the Request for Account Numbers for these new accounts.
• Requested that certain personnel now being charged to the existing R&D award be switched to the new accounts starting with the payroll for February.  This was based on meetings held to determine the realignment of the budgets for R&D.
• Requested corrections for payroll charges that were being charged to FY2000 accounts.
• Continued monitoring the transfers of encumbrances from the old fiscal period accounts to the new accounts.  A significant portion of the transfers have been done thanks to hard work by Dorothy, Ruth and Gina.

• Financial reports can be found at: http://docuserv.ligo.caltech.edu/~fireport

From: irena@ligo.caltech.edu (Irena Petrac)

• VME DAC RFI: Responses from a number of solicited firms were received and are under review.
• FDC/NYMA: CO No. 30, adding funds for the projected FY'02 support requirement is in Project Controls group review.
• Butler: CO No. 20, adding funds for the projected FY'02 support requirement is in CDS group review.

CONSTRUCTION:

• Selection of alternates has been presented to the audio/visual contract for the Livingston Staging Building, American Electronics.  They are scheduled to have all the audio/visual equipment in place in time for the LSC meeting on March 20.
• Construction on the Livingston Staging Building is continuing, with the goal of having the auditorium ready for the LSC meeting.
• Electricity has been installed at the site of the Hanford OSB East Building, with the steel scheduled to be delivered on February 18.

• Progress continues on the laser safety interlock systems.  At Livingston, all hardware is in place, with only the software remaining to be completed.   At Hanford, most of the hardware is installed, but not all of it is operating correctly.  Much software work remains.  The effort is being hampered by the absence of Doug Cook, who may return next week.

SUPPORT (Baldon, Torres, Lloyd, Tischler)

• Processed paper work for ten (10) new/revised trip.  I have thirteen (13) trips in various stages of completion before ticketing can be done and paper work completed.
• Completed ten (10) Expense Reports and there are eight (8) reports yet to be done.  I'm not holding any reports requiring checks to close at this time.  I still have one (1) 2001 trip outstanding.  The report has been completed but has not been returned by the traveler.
• Reconciled twenty-six (26) items on my P-Card, requiring numerous telephone calls to vendors to track down which traveler incurred which charge.
• Completed arrangements for LIGO to be represented by Montrose Travel and sent out notice that all travel is to be processed through them starting Friday, February 8th.  Sent out Travel Profiles for everyone to complete and send to Montrose in preparation for their next trip.  Also sent out a contact information sheet with Montrose's LIGO team.
• Worked on the preparation and distribution of the Travel/Vacation Itinerary for February 12, 2002.  Performed normal recording and filing associated with Travel and Reimbursement.  Completed cleaning up/out all 2001 travel files and have sent them over to DCC for permanent logging and storage.  Also performed miscellaneous duties as requested by various members of  the LIGO Project here at Caltech as well as from members of the staffs of each of the two (2) sites.
• I continue to do MIT's travel to the sites for installation activities and also to assist them wherever possible.

• Ruth, Gina and I continue to transfer contracts, blankets and POs to FY02 POETAs.
• Due to Oracle problems, Esther and I were somewhat limited  in processing invoices on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The total incoming invoices received for this period can be seen in  "Cost Schedule Control Systems" report by Esther Cunningham.
• Tracked and followed up on invoice problems. Reviewed and recorded payments processed by Esther the weeks of January 28 and February 4.
• Processed the usual requisitions, change orders, etc.
• Reconciled LIGO office petty cash fund and managed to get in some filing.
• Jim continues to work for the DCC in the mornings and does data entry for me in the afternoons.

• No report this week, will submit 2 reports next week.

• Collecting some articles for the press kit.
• Had a training session with Christine Ryan re: WIC.

Advanced LIGO (Frey)

Progress Period from 02.08 to 02.14

Accomplishments:

• Out of the office on 02.08 and 02.11.  Attended the AACE (http://www.cost.org)Western Winter Workshop.  For details see http://www.aacesf.com/www0102.pdf.
• Weekly Advanced LIGO Project Controls meeting was not held this week.  Next meeting date has not been scheduled.
• Advanced LIGO MRE Proposal (Highest Priority)
• Continuing the development of the Cost Estimate.  Prepared SUS, IO, AOS, and COC estimate analysis on a suspension by suspension basis for the purpose of determining how LIGO Lab can apply monies proposed by GEO.  This was done at the direction of Dennis Coyne.
• Continue to pursue all other sub system schedules.
• Updated web site with latest data.
• The following is a summary of status by sub system:
• COC - Work on action items per second review continues.  Per conversations with GB and GS, down select has been moved to 12.01.02.  Next meeting date has not been scheduled.
• PSL - Finished inputting changes to the cost book and schedule.  Queried management regarding scope issues.  Next meeting date has not been scheduled.
• AOS - Work on action items continues.  Inputting / reviewing data provided by David S.  Next meeting date has not been scheduled.
• IO -  Work on action items continues.  Next meeting date has not been scheduled.
• SUS - Working with SUS group to incorporate current comments.  Followed up with Janeen regarding her budget issues and setting up a fab account.
• SEI - Work on action items continues.  Next meeting date has not been scheduled.
• ISC - Continue to review data.
• All other subsystems have yet to be scheduled for their first review.  These dates are pending per direction from Gary Sanders and Dennis Coyne.
• Continue to update the TNI Schedule and incorporate any changes.
• Followed up with Eric Black regarding the re-work of the TNI plan per result of the review meeting held on 02.07.02.
• Continue to update the LASTI Schedule and incorporate any changes.
• Anticipate updated planning information per conversation with Dennis.
• Project Plan for the 40-Meter Lab Upgrade continues.
• Nothing new to report.
• Continue to test the Cost Book Tool.
• ROSTER DATABASE:
• Continued work on procedures for data gathering.  Attempted to schedule a meeting with Linda Turner regarding the incorporation of the roster data collection in to the employee orientation process.
• COST BOOK DATABASE:
• Continue review of changes and updates to procedures / online help.
• Mapping and formatting of OPS cost data for input on hold pending finalization of co-operative agreement.
• DCAA - No work this week and awaiting further instructions.
• Development of the Advanced LIGO Project Controls Guidebook continues.
• Project Web Site for posting schedule and progress related data continues to be updated with the latest and greatest.
• See http://www.ligo.caltech.edu/~tfrey/index.html

• Out of the office on 02.18 for the holiday.
• Next weekly Advanced LIGO Project Controls meeting to be scheduled.
• Advanced LIGO MRE Proposal (Highest Priority Task)
• Highest priority is the development of the Cost Estimate.  Will prepare information with Janeen for use with teleconference with GEO next Thursday at 10am.
• Will continue to pursue all other sub system schedules.
• PSL - Will complete estimate and schedule changes.
• AOS - Continue inputting changes to and prepare for next meeting TBD. (New data from David to be input).
• IO - Continue inputting changes to and prepare for next meeting TBD.
• SUS - Continue inputting changes to and prepare for next meeting TBD.
• SEI - Continue inputting changes and prepare for next meeting TBD.
• COC - Work on action items by Garilynn continues.  Anticipate schedule changes prior to next meeting TBD.
• ISC - Finish review of data.  Input data and change WBS as requested.
• Will issue updated meeting minutes for every subsystem as action items from most recent review are completed.
• Will Continue to update the TNI Schedule and incorporate any changes.
• Will update the plan with progress as of 02.15.02 and  post to site by the 19th.
• Will Continue to update the LASTI Schedule and incorporate any changes.
• Will update the plan with progress as of 02.15.02 and  post to site by the 19th.
• Will continue updating the 40 meter schedule and incorporate any changes.
• Will update the plan with progress as of 02.15.02 and  post to site by the 19th.
• Roster Database
• Will continue work on actions items.
Cost Book Tool development continues.  (Highest Priority Task)
• Will continue ops cost data input when available.
• Will continue to work with BK importing data and executing action items.
• Will continue to provide support to PL for DCAA audit.
• Will continue the development of the Advanced LIGO Project Web Site.
• Will continue the development of the Advanced LIGO Project Controls Guide Book.

We are doing a standard Annual Report for the Construction Project as of the end of November.  The first edit is nearly complete.

The following change request has been submitted:
 

Press for the latest Contingency Needs Projection.

From: Cindy Akutagawa <cindy@ligo.caltech.edu>

• No report this week.

Quality/Safety (Tyler)

Stringing/pulling of the new 50 micron multi-mode cables for LDAS has been completed.  Installation of the cables went fairly well, but this type of cable required special attention to how it was handled when "pulling" and placing in the tunnels and cable trays.  Terminating the cables is in-progress and may be completed in another week.

The first phase of room 215 Synchrotron fire suppression system modification work is about to start. PMA has provided the POETA to Physical Plant. The storage cabinets have been moved for removal of the floor tiles and elevator door.

The final version of the 40M audit report was signed off and distributed.
 

LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO) Operations (Raab)

------------------
LHO Facilities
-----------------
Experienced a power outage to the two arms while the PUD connected
the power to the new build transformer. This caused much hardship
to the interferometer commissioning work. Perhaps we should entertain
some un interruptible power system so future outages would be less
painful.

The contractor cleaned of all the anchor bolts on the new building
in anticipation of the building steel arrival on the 18th of February.

LIGO Livingston Observatory (LLO) Operations (Coles)

Optics and Installation: Removed three of the hard mounts of the PSL table and installed air pads. Did not appreciably reduce the noise. Made a new fixture and assisted Peter in optically contacting PMC bodies. (Jonathan Kern)

LDAS: Wrote a perl script to keep the last N database backups, to figure out which logs should be kept for possible recovery from these backups and to delete the rest. Helped to fix an LDAS problem at LLO found by Julien. Configured LHO's metaserver for everyday backup of DB2 databases. Trying to configure a test federated database on sunbox1 and linuxbox1. (Igor)

Staging building: Seats are now being placed in final location. We met with the AV contractor to discuss and recommend alternates for inclusion in the contract.

We have been able to lock repeatedly in a power recycled configuration at night. We are now working on an integrated schedule to address noise problems and functionality in the interferometer.

WLL-TV New Orleans aired a favorable segment about LIGO on New Orleans area TV. A copy of the video will be placed in the DCC.

This was a short week due to the Mardi Gras holiday. Next week LLO will operate on a normal schedule, including Monday Feb. 18 which is a Caltech holiday.

Detector/Technical Support (Whitcomb, Coyne)

40 Meter Interferometer (Weinstein)

• PSL (Abbott, Ugolini, Vass, Smith, King):
• Laser power from 126MOPA_AMPMON hovers around 10.0 watts, with ~0.2watt variations strongly correlated with humidity. This variation is NOT evident on the calibrated power meter, so we conclude that it's due to the monitoring PDs in the Lightwave box. We plan to flow dry N2 into the Lightwave box to stabilize this.
• Interestingly, the IFO vacuum, varying from 2.2e-6 to 2.9e-6 torr over the last 10 days, strongly anti-correlates with humidity. Our best guess is that the humidity swells up the leaky viton o-rings in the old feedthrough flanges, improving their seal. These old feedthrough flanges will all be removed in the next months.
• Dennis and Steve measured the beam profile, waist, etc, exiting the MOPA, and found it little changed from what it was before the replacement of the NPRO. Mike Smith will revisit the circularization and mode-matching lenses, but the changes should be small, and we should be able to implement it with the lenses we have.
• Dennis, Steve, and Ben plan to make the needed changes to the PSL table (new FSS pickoff, new mode matching, new location for beam diagnositcs, etc) early next week, then re-commission the FSS and PMC loops and beam diagnostics.
• A malfunction in the PSL enclosure interlock appeared this Thursday, and is forcing us to operate in PSL-Enclosure-Interlock-Bypassed mode until Ben comes back from LHO and fixes it.
• Paul Russel has completed the rewiring of the PSL reference cavity heating system: thermistors -> temperature box -> Minco controller -> HP power supply -> heater jacket. We will commission the system soon.
• Optics (Billingsley): REO is coating four polished optics for the input mode cleaner; They are expected back on March 8. CSIRO is working on all the core optics. They found a scratch near the edge of an ITM. Gari gave them the go-ahead to polish it out; they had to take off 80 microns. They will do the same for the other ITM+spare. Gari and Janeen are thinking about whether it should also be done for the ETMs.
• Suspensions (Romie):
• Janeen and Helena visited the 40m South Annex and reviewed all the material they have, and need, for hanging the SOS suspensions.
• Janeen has asked Helena, Betsy Bland, and Mark Barton to help prepare the suspended optics, starting around April 1.
• Todd Etzel is working on making sensor/actuator heads and hopes to have them assembled, cleaned and baked by next week.
• Jay will borrow a stand-alone suspension controller (optical bench test stand) from LHO.
• Suspension controllers (Ben Abbott, Jay Heefner):
• Bob Taylor has begun to assemble the two digital suspension controller cross connects.
• Six more Sorensens have arrived and are waiting in shipping.
• Feb 19 approaches. That's the date that Ben set for having all the needed electronics for the suspension controllers and mode cleaner LSC/ASC controls.
• Optical layout (Smith):
• IO PERISCOPE: A design layout of the IO periscope was completed. The detailed parts drawings are expected to completed by 2/15.
• PARTS ORDER: Purchase order for Uniblitz shutter was revised to 3 normal shutter housings and 1 shortened housing (for the IO periscope). EO Q-switch shutter for IMC_R path was received from Lasermetrics.
• INPUT FARADAY ISOLATOR: Work on modifying optical layout to accomadate redesigned Faraday isolator.
• The 4'x3' table at the vertex (sensing the AP2 beam) was moved 1" by request from Mike Smith and Larry Jones.
• Steve Vass suggested replacing the 4'x3' table at the vertex (sensing the AP2 beam) with the 4'x6' table currently sensing the AP1 beam. There's room for that table there. Mike will try to fit both AP1 and AP2 sensing, and mirrors for pass-through beams, all onto that table. That's a much shorter optical path for AP1 (longer calbes, though), and one less table to deal with.
• South Annex Bake oven chambers (Vass, Taylor, Cardenas): Oven E: New, large copper-sealed bake oven, is wired, plumbed, and insulated. It awaits a scroll pump. Teflon and PEEK load (optical flange seals) will be baked in large oven D, and the new teflon-insulated cables will be baked in small oven B; these should go in next week.
• Facilities (Vass, Jones, Smith, AJW):
• In vacuum suspension cables: Etzel's lab is working on the remaining 27 cables needed for the main IFO (the 8 cables required for the three MC suspensions are in hand and being prepared for baking by Bob Taylor).
• Bartie at LHO is about done with clean/bake of the first of two loads of in-vacuum equipment (feedthrough flanges, cable clamps, optical port flanges & windows, hardware) and will do the 2nd load next week. Expect to ship towards end of next week.
• Larry continues to work on the design of ISC table enclosures and beam tubes. He's coming up to speed on AutoCad.
• Dennis and Eric Lin are working on wiring up the STACIS controllers for readout through EPICS.
• Caltech HVAC experts will prepare a plan and an estimate for reducing particulate content in the IFO hall, by 2/15.
• Alarms on the 2 IFO hall end doors are being installed today (Thursday).
• We continue to shoot for installing the 2 remaining seismic stacks, all in-vacuum cables, clamps, feedthroughs, optical ports in March.

Thermal Noise Interferometer (Libbrecht)

no report

LASTI (Zucker)

no report

Data Analysis and Computing (Lazzarini)

Simulation and Modeling (Bhawal)
Weekly Physics meeting
-----------------------
Virginio Sannibale talked about simulation of LIGO spring and some problem he encountered
while taking into account the shear effect of the spring in horizontal directions. Later
Matt talked about the addition/improvement he is making on the Han2k model.

LIGO I simulation system
--------------------------
(Matt) completed the detection mode LSC sub-system and currently testing the LOS sub-system.

Modal Model
------------
(Hiro,Biplab,Matt) discussed and did calculations to determine the exact relationship between
the phase change due to the curvature mismatch and the change of the guoy phase due to a
mismatching input beam. Performing tests to verify our analytical calculations and guesses.

Code development and maintenance
---------------------------------
(Biplab) Did various null tests to ascertain if signs for e2e's tilt angles are conforming
with its standard notation. Found that the yaw should be negative of what it had been so far.

(Hiro) made some changes in AdlibMM.

Alfi
----
[Last week, by mistake, the "Beta" release of Alphi5 was reported. It should be "alpha" release]

(Bruce)
- General debugging of Alfi5.
- Reworking graphics update messenging from the bookkeeping to have a more clear
   and robust methodology.

(Melody)
- Addressed problem reports for the alpha version of alfi5.

LIGO Data Analysis System

Software Systems (Blackburn)
cntlmonAPI utilities: fixed directory problems with logscan,
db2utils and coreWatch. Have logscan supply a default subject
and email instead of not emailing at all. Fixing other
utilities due to path changes in api rsc files.

metadataAPI: fixed problem with -returnformat validation; read
back -outputformat to getMetaData.meta. Responded to several
request at sites to check on metadataAPI being hung: turns out
database server was not up. Filed problem report to better notify
when condition happens.

cmonClient updates: have node-balance work with the mpi functions
to add, delete and update node changes.

The lexical parser for channel names in the wrapperAPI has been
implemented and unit tested. A full system test will require a new
version of the lal and lalwrapper libraries which should be available
today.

A new cron job was added to nightly build process to cleanup any
of the nightly builds more than one week old. In addition, the
nightly build process has been enhanced to include the construction
of tarballs for the individual components of LDAS. This is allow
better syncronization of users of the development system with the
newer functionality found in the development system.

The LDAS CVS respository was corrupted by an incompatibility in
versions of rsync roughly two weeks ago. It was discovered this
week that the corruption extended beyond what was recognized at
the time of the rsync. A careful analysis of the log files identified
107 files. These files were inspected by hand and all understood
changes made to restore the repository.

Support for the FrDetector structure was found to be missing in the
frameCPP and the frameAPI. This was added and we have tested the
passing of detector geometry frameAPI to the dataConditionAPI.

Hardware Systems (Anderson)
Caltech
-------
(Al Wilson)

* Further refinements of big brother.

* Starting to integrate tripwire into the BB reporting system.

* Got word from SUN about the sun blade that look like it was running hot.
  They report that everything is fine. Until it start spitting out error
  messages there is no need to be concern. The CPU is at a temp of 70c. After
  some winning to sun they told me that the upper limit is 72c.

* Rebuilding a laptop for Phillip to take overseas.

* Did some last minute tiding over in synchrotron. Construction was to start on
  02/13/02. They have started with the new fiber run.
 

(Stuart Anderson)

* Brought the first new SunFire 880 server into production in the ldas-dev
  system as the dedicated frame data server.

* Working on integrating the new SunFire 880 server and T3 RAID unit at MIT
  into the ldas-mit system.

* The HPSS web data catalog is back on-line at a new more permanent location,
http://www.ldas-sw.ligo.caltech.edu/archive/hpss

MIT
---
(Keith Bayer)

* Freed up ldas-sundev1 to go back to ldas lab.

* Continuing to load E7 data from tapes .

* Working on stripping off certain frames.

* Ordered SC-SC multimode fiber cable.

* Borrowed and hooked up an SC-SC cable for the short-term.

Livingston
----------
(Igor Yakushin)

* Wrote a perl script to keep the last N database backups, to figure
  out which logs should be kept for possible recovery from these backups
  and to delete the rest.

* Helped to fix an LDAS problem at LLO found by Julien.

* Configured LHO's metaserver for everyday backup of DB2 databases.

* Trying to configure a test federated database on sunbox1 and linuxbox1.

Hanford
-------
(Greg Mendell)

* A script was run on the directory listing of the raw full frame E7
  data stored in HPSS. The outputs from the script are at this URL:
http://apex.ligo-wa.caltech.edu/~gmendell/FrameListingReports/E7/.
  The reports shows

  a) the GPS times when the gaps and size changes occur in the data.

  b) that the number of files in HPSS is exactly equal to the number of
     files that were sent to Caltech on tape. So all tapes were ingested.

  c) The LHO reports shows 7 gaps in time (from 80 to 272 seconds) and 3
     changes in the frame size.  The time gaps were due to ADC reboots. As
     for the size changes, Dave Barker told me the number of channels in the
     frames changed several times during the E7 run.

  d) The LLO reports shows 5 gaps in time, and no frame size changes. The
     last gap is the missing 10 hours when fb2 at LLO was not running. The
     other gaps are 32 seconds, suggesting the framebuilder dropped a 16
     second frame file. I'm told that the framebuilder will drop frame files
     if it becomes too busy.

* A planned power outage occurred on the morning of Tue Feb 12. LDAS
  software and hardware where shutdown and restarted without problems,
  except restarting of the database manager.  This problem has been
  addressed.

* Scripts are finished which drive knownpulsardemod jobs in LDAS to
  produces SFTs:

  a) Automate the running and tracking of jobs.  The scripts log and
     record information for each job run, allowing the scripts to restart
     from the last job run, and to rerun jobs that have failed.

  b) Generate a quality channel from segment files (e.g., GPS intervals of
     locked data) and sends it to the LDAS job.

Data Analysis Activities (Lazzarini)
Prof. Nobuyuki Kanda has arrived for a 5 week visit to Caltech. He will be staying with the data and computing group.

A revision of the Frame Format specification was approved (in principle) by the LSC SW Configuration Control Board. Several iterations are still required with Virgo (B. Mours) to better define some of the changes we want to make to the frames. We hope to take advantage of next week's visit by Mours to LLO (to test GPS timing boards) to have him come by Caltech for one final face-to-face meeting on the subject. Alex Ivanov will be implementing the changes for LIGO.

General Computing (Wallace)
MIT:
(Keith)
-Continued to install MU6 on Sun machines
-Put first machine onto NW22 fiber link
-Spec'd out/ordered desktop PC
-Re-installed/configured laptop for wireless
-Updated ligotools on lancelot
-Rebuilt root / gds software on lancelot

Livingston:
(Tom)
-We have received three new PCs, two of which will be used to
process video signals.
-We are continuing to work on improvements in the network,
primarily to provide services for the upcoming conference.

-Locations for the T1 network usage information:
http://kahuna.net.lsu.edu/mrtg/remrouters/ligo-t1-1.html
http://kahuna.net.lsu.edu/mrtg/remrouters/ligo-t1-2.html

Hanford:
(Christine)
- With less than 24 hours notice, prepared for a site wide power outage
by securing all computer systems on the site and testing UPSs for the
main servers and network routers.  Then an hour before the outage was to
happen, it didn't.  Went around and powered up all the computers that
had been secured.  Dealt with several problems of systems not coming
back properly and processes not starting automatically like they should
have.
- Still in the process of replacing old PCs with new ones.  Requires
installing base configuration software and helping users transfer files
between computers.
- Created some new user accounts, did some purchasing, replaced the
power supply on one Sun, called the Sun technician about an Ultra60 that
won't boot, discovered how to install HP network printers on Win2K
without a print server and tested some software for documenting server
configurations.

CIT:
(Mike)
-NTServer's; testing all NTSRV's for security holes with Bryan from
ITS.CALTECH.EDU He is checking vulnerability from the outside or internal
unauthorized access to our NTSRV's. Began tightening up security holes on all
servers. I still have a lot of patches to install and button up some services
that are running but I have to do some research before I attempt to make these
changes.
-Amaldi; the original server that had gone down due to hardware problems
was ready for me to load. I still have a full operational temp server up and
running that is servicing the Elba website.
-pherkab; I ran ghost backups on Pherkab one of the admin web server's for
this server is having problems freezing up this might be leading into
another hardware problem it turns out that this server is identical to the
Amaldi server same exact hardware configuration which is a 1.4 Ghz
according to HPC they have been having problems with this style of
processor they end up getting to hot which causes the CPU to freeze up.
Intel has change the size of the chip to a much smaller size with more
horse power and this has seem to run a lot cooler their for preventing the
CPU from getting so hot.
-Laptop; I had to load some additional software on a laptop, to get ready
for a user to borrow from the loaner pool.
-40 Meter; I got a PC ready for Lee Cardenas to put transfer to the 40 meter.
-Helena; I worked on a PC loaded with NT4.0 that was having printer
problems. Looks like I have to reinstall the drivers;
-Printers; I had to do maintenance on multiple printers which included
swapping out drum kits, fuser, paper jams, and toner cartridges. I also
blew out the access powdered ink with compressed air for they were real dirty.
-Fred Mann's PC was having problem's,  the system files were
corrupted due to the goner virus. His computer was virus free but the
damage had already been done and the only way to correct this problem was
to reload. I set Fred up with a temporary computer until I get his old one
reloaded.
-User Support; I had a whole lot of onsite and phone user support this
week, that include e-mail, printing problems, networking problems and
software problems.

(Lisa)
-Worked with the Foundry rep on configuring the new switches.
-Set Gary up for PDASync on Solaris.  For people with old calendars, the
calendar file must be converted into version 4 format using "sdtcm_convert -v 4
username".
-Did some more work with ssh and agents.  Looked at a script for maintaining
keys.
-Started looking at how to install grid.
-Doing some diagnostic work on the backup tape hardware and media.

(Veronica)
- LIGO website: posted updates to various parts (LSC, MOUs, Employment,
Student Undergraduate programs). Posted updates on Elba 2002 GWADW
website; keep working on graphics. Keep working through the CVS manual.
- CaJAGWR: will tape Phinney's talk on Friday. Re-compressed and posted one
of the previous talks.

(Larry)
-Worked on a number of procurements. Mainly, upgrades to PC's and a new server
SUN box for Wilson House. Filtered a couple of sales people for Stuart, boy they
are starting to get aggressive. Worked with accounts payable on getting some
issues resolved with Foundry.
-Foundry was out to start going over the GigE network. The equipment has the
preliminary configuration. As soon as the rest of the edge switches arrive we
will get them installed and work on upgrading the configuration from a layer 2
to layer 3 in the future. With some of the present schedule issues we need to
get the equipment installed ASAP.
-All of the new fiber installations for Bridge are finished. The edge areas are
still being worked on but should be finished by the end of next week.
-Wrapping up the GC Usage Policy statement. It should be ready for the sign off
cycle next week.
-Resolved a number of web policy issues. Just need to let people know that there
are a number of things that have to be approved before the changes are made to
the WEB.
-Debugged a few network issues. Also, working on some of the security audit
issues with Bryan and Mike.
 
 

LIGO II/Advanced R&D (Sanders)

40m
Helena Armandula
Ordered air bake oven.
Getting maintenance performed on the DI water system (changing filters, purging system) in preparation to optic's cleaning.

40m
Janeen Romie
Another box of mechanical parts will be sent to LHO for cleaning and baking tomorrow. I have received all the fixtures. Only counterbored screws to finish. Helena has submitted the order for the air bake oven for the So. Annex. Looking at how the magnet gluing fixture can be changed to fit the thinner ITMs. Made up a list of things needed for the suspension work and assigned each to a category - have already, need to buy, provided by site.

40m South annex
Lee Cardenas
New bake chamber is fully prepared to bake.  We are waiting on the new free oil pump station.
The small bake oven is also ready and operating.

40m
Rich Abbott
Ordered parts needed for the 40 meter lab frequency distribution system.

From: Mark Barton <mbarton@ligo.caltech.edu>

This week I've been at MIT getting some hands on experience with the quad
prototype and working with Rich Mittleman to try and sort out some
puzzles with the measured mode frequencies and controller performance. A
big chunk of the confusion turned out to be different versions of the
modelling software in different places. As part of this effort I got
around to rederiving all the matrix elements used in the Matlab quad
model. (I had previously reported errors in the longitudinal/pitch
elements.) The vertical and yaw elements were correct, but the
transverse/roll elements had some moderately significant errors
sufficient to change the predicted mode frequencies by up to 10%.
Unfortunately it's longitudinal/pitch that we're most concerned with in
the short term and there the errors are too small to explain the observed
discrepancies.

From: Janeen Hazel Romie <romie_j@ligo.caltech.edu>

AdLIGO Suspensions
Working on RM suspension layout and providing interations to Phil for suspension parameters.
Working on budgets with Thomas, specifically organizing the cost book into segments for the budget meeting tomorrow.

From: Helena Armandula <ahelena@ligo.caltech.edu>

Advanced LIGO - Coating
Arranging to include in the next absorption coating run at MLD  (Ta2O5/Al2O3) some "Q" measured substrates.

ERGO (ERGOnomic mechanical large optics' handler)
Approved specs and requirements during a meeting with the immediate ERGO users and Mike Gerfen from CES.
Mike will manufacture one unit as prototype.

From: ctorrie <ctorrie@ligo.caltech.edu>
Suspensions

Norna, Mark and I met again, via the conference phone, with Rich and Peter at MIT with regard to work being carried out on the quadruple pendulum at MIT. This was very productive and we were able to go through all of the work Rich has done in detail and suggest what other things he could do so that we can compare both the electronics and the behaviour of the suspension directly to the MATLAB model.
I believe that after a further call yesterday we can now say that the damping in the longitudinal direction agrees with what is predicted in the model.
Norna and I are using the Simulink quadruple pendulum model to predict why we are seeing some problems with the damping of the pitch modes. In the mean time Rich is going to measure the damping in the other degrees of freedom allowing us to compare these with the predictions.
 

Mike Plissi and Stefan Gosler at GEO were investigating why the Bean Splitter suspension was not damping as well as predicted. With my help we were able to solve this problem using the existing GEO triple pendulum model. Mike and Stefan sent me the frequencies that they measured from the suspension, these were different from what we had originally predicted. Changing various parameters in the model I was able reproduce the measured frequencies and could therefore suggest what parameters to check on the suspension. It turned out that the break off point of the wires on the upper mass was larger than  predicted due to a hidden interference. Mike and Stefan were able to use the model to tie up the poor damping they were seeing and are now making changes to the upper mass to solve this interference issue.
 

I have finished a set of drawings and an assembly for a planned single pendulum experiment in SolidWorks. Information gathered from this will be very useful for adding various effects to the pendulum models. This has been a very good exercise for learning SOLIDWORKS.
 

Using SOIDWORKS we were able to create curved blades and transfer them to ALGOR for analysis. Jannen and I are currently working on what is the correct set of parameters to use in ALGOR for loading the blade!
 

Janeen and I have began iterating the drawings of her cage design with my pendulum design for the LIGO Mode cleaner suspensions. We plan to concentrate on this and the Recycling suspension design in the next few weeks and months.

From: Riccardo DeSalvo <desalvo@ligo.caltech.edu>

Akiteru, Szabi, Iida, Nishi.@ Hongo
Commissioning the suspended Fabry Perot.
 

Szabi
TAMA-SAS: I assembled and tested the my drift servo module for the
second tower, which is very close to completion. This servo is one of
the LIGO contributions to the project. We have near term plans to extend
 

the capabilities of the module (software extensions).Work continuing.
 

Akiteru, Iida
Calculating effects of angularly stiff suspension wires.
 

Hareem, Riccardo @ Pasadena
Dropped (Riccardo) and broken sample insertion tool, waiting for
replacement, testing software on the sample inside the chamber.
 

Jan, Bill, Riccardo, Hareem @ Pasadena
Prepared AuSn braze material, conditioned in 2 mm wires, unfortunately
still not very useful for precision brazing, waiting for 0.5 mm
capillaries to condition it in useful, less than 0.5 mm diameter brazing
wire.
At Carnegie Mellon failed to spin cast MoRuB, considered to go that and
transfer to them the know how gathered years ago on that technique.
Found a better solution in spat cooling.  Spat cooling hypercooles a
drop of MoRuB falling from a R.F. levitation melter clapping it between
two polished copper hands.  Produces 2 cm diameter 50 micron thick
disks.  The advantage of the higher thickness is  that the flex joint
will be stiffer in the unthinned brazing region making brazing easier
and reducing the danger of buckling.  The desired 15-10 micron thickness
can still be obtained from the 50 micron samples by electropolishing.
 

Alessandro @ Pisa
Received from Carlo, G&M, the mechanics of the Q-factor glassy metal
setup, introduced some minor modifications, back to G&M for
modifications before shipping to Pasadena.  Suspension hook mechanical
prototype ongoing waiting for braze.
 

Riccardo, Szabi, Virginio, Luca
Working a remedial internal damping scheme for the LIGO I stacks.
Will build a quick  test HAM at Pasadena using spare LIGO I springs and
optical bench to test the scheme.  Procuring all long lead materials
 

Riccardo @ Pasadena, Tania  @ Bientina
Designing the mechanics of the new remedial internal damping scheme for
the LIGO I stacks.  Full LASTI design should be ready early next week.
Actuator yoke design already finished and sent to G&M for prototyping.
 

Carlo G&M @ Lucca
Building actuator prototypes.
 
 

Riccardo @ Pasadena, Gianni  @ Bientina, Alessandro @ Pisa
Looking at the theoretical possibility to design negative stiffness
suspension for the piers to passively neutralize the ill effects of the
bellows and isolate the LIGO stacks.
Testing over compensated GAS compensating the stiffness of an external
spring mounted in parallel with the GAS.
 

From: Benno Willke <bfw@mpq.mpg.de>

here is the status report from Stanford.

Stanford was unable to attend your teleconference this week because the
laser physicists were at the Advanced Solid State Laser
meeting held in Quebec, Canada.  However, we did make some progress on
discussions with LIGO regarding upgrading the LIGO laser
at Stanford as an input to the slab amplifier chain.
 

I have attached an email letter to Peter King requesting that we have
access to one of the to be delivered laser amplifiers so that we will
have adequate input power to power the current slab amplifiers to
greater than the 100W power level.  If the amplifiers are not made
available, then we requested an upgrade of the LIGO laser at Stanford to
the 18W power level.
 

Our plan prior to the LSC meeting is to set up the slab YAG gain
elements that we now have on hand and to measure input and output
power and beam parameters.  This should give us a good indication of the
performance that can be expected from the end pump YAG
slab amplifiers that have been ordered and are now being fabricated.
 

A key element of our longer term support for LIGO in laser engineering
is a successful funding of a large DARPA sponsored laser
research program.  The program is now in review.  We expect to learn
about the outcome over the next month and so see funding begin
by mid May, 2002.
 

The operation of a LIGO laser/amplifer at the 20W power level will also
allow us to pursue studies of thermal loading of the
pre-modecleaner and to test in detail the MELODY code written by Ray
Beausoleil.
 

From: David Shoemaker <dhs@ligo.mit.edu>
SWG Telecon, Friday, 9am Pacific

Agenda:

The Usual Generalities

Upcoming LSC meeting -- topics?

*** I have invited Valery Mitrofanov to talk about Sapphire

Pre-Isolator status  (Coyne)

Coating losses program status (Rowan/Harry)

Plans for tests on a Sapphire-fiber-Silica prototype (Robertston/Hough)
 
 

Summaries:

=================================

SWG Monthly progress Report for the Syracuse Group
submitted 31 January 2002 by Peter Saulson
Q of fused silica flame-drawn rods:
It has proven difficult to ring up the 3 kHz mode
of our 8 mm silica rod. This has been the focus of some
effort, because there is some reason to believe that there
is an interesting frequency dependence in thick samples at
high frequencies. Andri remembered the frequency dependence
reported by the Japanese group for their blocks, and pointed
out that our 3.5 mm rod showed a similar decrease in Q with
increasing frequency. Stay tuned.
Annealing status report:
Steve Penn will soon modify a surplus annealing oven to be
able to hold fibers vertically. (Right now it is set up for long
thin samples held horizontally, no use to us.) When that is
done, we'll measure the effect of annealing a thin fiber, to
go after surface effects. We'll also anneal a thicker rod, to
see whether the cooling history affects its Q.
We did use a different annealing oven to try to reduce the
birefringence of a silica sample for the anelastic experiment.
We used one with large birefringence (due to some brute-force
welding.) The good news was that the overall level of
birefringence was reduced substantially. The bad news was that
the small-scale gradients weren't reduced; since those are
what give us false signals due to sample motion, annealing
didn't really help us against that systematic error.
Anelastic experiment:
Scott Kittelberger tried a new sample configuration that
seems promising: a block standing on one edge on a flat steel
support, squeezed by only a single PZT that pushes down from
the top of the sample. Scatter of the data was pretty low.
Scott is now compiling a database of the many different
configurations that he's tried, to prepare for a detailed
comparison.
Coating experiment:
Steve has been measuring the Q of a thin blank that has
been coated. Preliminary result: Q is approximately 500,000.
The good news is that this is about what Gregg Harry is seeing
in his measurements.
Violin mode monitor:
Andri has started recording long data sets, and is analyzing
thermal noise data in earnest. He can find the power in any of
about a dozen modes, track it on various time scales, and
form the histogram of the power to check for Gaussian noise
versus excess noise.
Personnel notes:
Andri's start date at LLO is now set for 1 April.
Undergrad Josh Smith will be attend graduate school at
the University of Hannover next fall, where he will keep working on gravitational wave detection.

==========================================================

Stanford Coating Losses (Sheila Rowan)

Attached are two excel files. One contains our raw data (a) for the Q measurements of a silica sample with a 30 layer SiO2 /Ta2O5 coating and (b) for a sample with a 2 layer (courtesy of Peter Sneddon).

The data is plotted on two charts - one showing the before and after coating Q's for 3 modes of both masses (the modes which have the highest uncoated Q's) and the other showing the same data for all five modes.
Eyeballing this chart suggests immediately that the 2 layer coating is having less effect than the 30 layer.

The second file contains more detailed analysis of the results.

We believe that the right way to analyse the data is to subtract the measured losses for each mode of the 2-layer coated mass from the measured loss for each corresponding mode of the 30-layer coated mass as this removes any effect of annealing on the intrinsic loss.
Using the loss values obtained by doing this we then performed a regression analysis, as for the previous silica masses we studied, to obtain a value for coating loss. We find that of the various ways it is possible to analyse the data this gives the best to date.
We include this fit, and also the numbers for an analysis using the 30 layer on its own (phi_30 - phi_uncoated), the 2 layer on its own (phi_2 - phi_uncoated) as well as the (30-2) layer analysis. The phi_uncoated in each case is the actual phi as measured and shown in Peter's histograms.

Note 2 things:

1. The 5 point fit has an intercept still, but it is small and we are interpreting this as the difference in the intrinsic phis of the 2 masses after the annealing they went through associated with being coated
2. The error seems higher when the fit is used from when the simple numbers are used. We think that for some reason which is not yet clear the error in the fit is too high.
There is quite a lot of information here which we can discuss in more detail tomorrow
 

=================================================

MIT Coating Losses (Harry)

We have gotten Q data on a coated sample. Sample 3, which had a Q of 23
million before coating, was coated with 30 layers of alternating SiO_2 and
Ta_2/O_5, with layers lambda/4 thick. Initially the two modes were 150 Hz
apart. After coating, the higher mode had moved from 2728 Hz to 2732 Hz,
4 Hz. The lower mode moved from 2580 Hz to 2246 Hz, 334 Hz. The higher
mode had a Q of 530,000 and the lower 218,800 after coating.
Using the 530,000, the theory developed in the coating papers, and the
coating energy David Crooks calculated for the old thick Syracuse sample
(scaled to the thin samples S/V ratio), we estimate a coating phi of
1.5 10^-4. This is in good agreement with the 1.0 10^-4 on the thick
Syracuse sample with a similar coating, and the Glasgow sapphire sample
with the same coating.
The question remains why the lower mode changed in frequency so much and
why its Q is so much worse than the higher mode. One hypothesis is that
the coating created a non-symmetric stress which has a great impact on the
thin sample. We are looking for the first drumhead mode of this coated
sample to see how a radially symmetric mode compares. A comparison with
the nominally identical sample currently at Syracuse can test this stress
hypothesis. We may try to reanneal these samples to change/fix the stress
to see how this effects Q.
We will hang sample 4, which has two layers of the same coating, after we
are done with the drumhead mode of 3.

===============================================

GEO Suspensions Report from Norna Robertson covering GEO Glasgow and NAR at
Caltech.
 

A. Materials
Measurements on coating losses (to be reported by Sheila Rowan for
Stanford/Glasgow)
B. Other Suspension Matters
1) Continuing work on blade behaviour at Glasgow in collaboration with
Caltech, to allow more accurate prediction of deflection under load for
wide variety of lengths and thicknesses.
Experimentally: deflection vs. mass for 4 different pre-curved and one
flat blade so far. Work is ongoing to compare to finite element
analysis. Work on transferring CAD drawings into finite-element packages
is also ongoing. Experience so far: it is possible to import Autocad
drawings in IDEAS with suitable STEP translator. Work on Autocad to
Algor - awaiting required Algor update.
(E Elliffe, R Jones, A Grant, M Plissi)
2) Work on design and costings of electronic and associated parts for
local control for prototypes at Caltech and LASTI.
Updating of coil former,holder,clamps etc used in MIT quad: CIT has sent
to Glasgow Autocad assembly drawings for production of engineering
drawings to be used for obtaining quotes and prototypes (R Jones and E
Elliffe)
3) Work on design of modecleaner prototype for LASTI ( NAR w/ CIT at
Caltech - to be reported elsewhere)
4) Information concerning heavy glass learnt at visit to SEM-COM (HA and
NAR)
i)The highest density lead glass they are happy working with is 6.5
gm/cc (c.f. sapphire 3.98 gm/cc). We had aimed to use something close to
twice sapphire for 10Hz design. We obtained small samples with 7.2 gm/cc
in Glasgow for initial bonding experiments, but this has cadmium in it
(as well as lead) which some companies do not want to work with.
ii) High lead content material more difficult to cast - is softer and
can have problems w/ cracking. So learning curve will be needed for
making large pieces.
A suitable company has not yet been identified who are willing and able
to polish the flats on large heavy glass pieces.

=====================================================

Caltech Suspensions: Hazel, Torrie, Robertson

Report from Calum Torrie (CIT) Janeen Romie (JHR) and Norna Robertson
(NAR) at Caltech.

1)Cantilever Blades
Prototype cantilever blades, similar to those used for GEO Signal
Recycling
suspension, are being made here at Caltech. We will be testing 2
different
types of maraging steel.
We have measured the deflection on several cantilever blades. For
comparison we now plan to model the blade with its pre-stressed radius
of
curvature and load it in ALGOR to make it flat. (CIT, JHR, NAR)
2)LIGO_MC Suspension
Now have completed assembly drawing of the upper mass including the
various
clamps, blades and detailed positioning of the coils & magnets.
We have been looking at the detailed design of the pendulum with respect
to
the support structure and the required footprint. As a result of this
the
upper blades will have to be crossed and other dimensions changed from
the
original GEO signal recycling design on which the MC design is based
(see
point below). We have a preliminary structure design and have checked
the first resonance.
CIT has been working with Glasgow on design of coil formers clamps and
coil
holders (see report from Glasgow.)

3)Modelling
We have been looking again in detail at the pendulum model of the
LIGO_MC
design, following the changes noted above. We now have a working design
which can be taken forward in order to create a full set of engineering
and
assembly drawings.
The one outstanding issue is the blade design. Work is ongoing as
mentioned
in point 1.
(CIT, NAR)
We have now established that Mark Barton's triple model and the original
GEO model agree under the same initial conditions.
4) Schedule
We are planning to deliver a MC Controls prototype to LASTI in
mid-September. We're scheduling to have the parts procured, fabricated
and delivered to Caltech by mid-July. That leaves two weeks to assemble,
a month to test and two weeks to pack and ship to MIT. We are planning
to deliver a RM suspension a couple of months later. Pending available
personnel, we hope to deliver a quad pendulum a few months after that.
5) Software
CIT and JHR attended a Solidworks training class two weeks ago and are
enthused about the software. Theoretically, we can connect models from
Solidworks to Algor for analysis but we have found problems. Our licence
for Ideas expires tomorrow and Larry Wallace has not heard from them
about a licence extension so we will work to get Algor working better.
STEP translators work between AutoCAD, Mech. Desktop and Solidworks. We
do not have the STEP translator for Ideas - it is not part of the
educational package. L. Wallace is finding out the cost.

==================================================================

Caltech Suspensions: Willems

Suspension Design:
------------------
Given that magnets and coils can drive the mode cleaner mirror directly (as
communicated by Peter Fritschel), it appears that a reaction chain for the mode
cleaner suspension is unnecessary. This is because: 1) the seismic platform
will be very quiet, 2) the mode cleaner noise requirements are not very strict,
3) the force required on the mirror is not very large, and 4) the force on a
magnet by a coil does not strongly depend on magnet/coil spacing.
It appears likely that reaction chains will not be needed for any of the other
HAM optics, either, but we are still looking at the numbers.

Fused silica fiber research:
----------------------------
The dumbbell-shaped fiber analysis has been extended to analysis of loss due to
pins at the fiber ends a la Braginsky. The results agree well with the results
they presented in talks last year, but also show that for thicker fibers the
loss due to pins can be larger due to the couple exerted on the pin by the
fiber. The losses due to pins/attachment prongs deserves attention. These and
the dumbbell fiber analysis have been written up for publication. The dumbbell
fiber analysis is available in document LIGO-T020003-00.
We have submitted for LSC review a paper entitled, "Investigations of the
Dynamics and Mechanical Dissipation of a Fused Silica Suspension," summarizing
the last two years of such research at Caltech. The main results we report are:
1) the measurement of the temperature dependence of the Young's modulus
of fused silica to be (dE/dT)/E=1.52e-4/K (previously reported in
LIGO-T000188-00),
2) the independent measurement of the dilution factor by the temperature
dependence of the violin frequencies, with results matching theoretical
predictions,
3) measurement of Q's for the violin modes of 400-500 million, very high
but not quite up to predicted values,
4) measurement of the Q's of unloaded fibers of up to 11 million,
5) evidence that the thermal expansion coefficient of fused silica
fibers may be less than 4e-7/K.
The coauthors of this paper are Virginio Sannibale, Valery Mitrofanov, Phil
Willems, and Jaap Weel. Jaap is a SURF student who is seeing his work
published, and who just might transfer to Caltech thanks to the experience.
Based in part on the work in this paper, we are composing a database of fused
silica properties relevant to thermal noise, in an effort to unify the ranges of
values we currently use. This will be a joint effort of Moscow, Glasgow,
Syracuse, and Caltech, and we intend to present our findings at the 2002
Livingston LSC meeting. All those with data to share please contact Phil
Willems.

==================================================

Caltech Suspensions: Armandula

Mechanical loss studies
The first part of the SMA/VIRGO Collaboration is complete.
The first step was to evaluate "Q" substrates after cleaning and annealing only, without coating.
Later, we received 2 substrates of each type (thin and thick) coated as follows:
a) 2 layers - 1/4 wave - Ta2O5 / SiO2
b) 30 layers - 1/4 wave - Ta2O5 / SiO2
c) 30 layers - 3/8 wave - 1/8 wave - Ta2O5 / SiO2
d) 60 layers - 1/8 wave - Ta2O5 / SiO2
The absorption measured on some of the coated thick samples was ~0.2 ppm
Web pages are posted with substrate information and measurement results respectively.
Future work will be planned at the LSC meeting after the current results are analyzed.
MLD revised their quote to provide a 30 layer - 1/4 wave - Ta2O5 / SiO2 coating run to compare their coatings to the Lyon's coatings.
The revision was to account for the extra fixture required to handle the masking on the thin samples.
I asked them to optimize their coatings for mechanical loss and absorption on these samples.
(GariLynn) Placed the polishing order for 10 extra thick and thin fused silica "Q" substrates plus 2 Suprasil 311 SV substrates. (low water content)
Materials - High density glass
Visited Sem Com, the company that may cast the special glass and form the Advanced LIGO penultimate masses.
Although Sem Com is a small family run operation they have the equipment and technical expertise to do the job.
They formed four 1/2"dia samples free of charge made from Glass #24935.
I expect to get those samples polished shortly to be used in bonding experiments.
Found a second possible source to cast and form glass parts, Glass Specialty in Florida.
A company representative will be in the LA area next Feb 6th and may visit Caltech.
Silicate Bonding - Stress Distribution
We performed an experiment to observe the stress distribution on the bonded surface of a prism (ear) using a polariscope.
We silicate bonded a prism, made from an old Glasgow design, to a flat polished on a fused silica disk. Welded fibers to the prism and suspended weights to the fibers.
One of the fibers broke while being loaded.
With the other fiber loaded with a few grams, we saw the stress distribution on the bond.
As the weight increased, we observed several stress points where stress was expected from the design analysis.
A few seconds after reaching 2.5 kg of load, one part of the prism's leg broke matching the shape of the stress distribution seen at the time.
The experiment will be repeated again to be able to determine if the leg broke because of stress induced during welding fibers, a flaw on the glass or a design problem.
Two more prisms have been bonded to the disk and are curing.
 

===================================================

MIT Quad Suspension Tests (Rich Mittleman)
 

I have been continuing the work on characterizing the suspension
modes. A set of data on the Longitudinal-Pitch modes has been posted at
http://tintagel.mit.edu/~richard/longpitch/
There is a MSword document LongPitch Modes.doc which has some
explanations and numerical details.
One disturbing feature that should be noted is that some of the modes do
not damp as well as expected, with Qs over 100 when the damping is on.
This is currently being investigate through a number of different avenues,
the model is being rechecked, the electronics is being rechecked to make
sure that it is giving the damping in the model and I have taken some new
transfer function data with high damping settings.
The plots in this folder are;
M3LTF, M4LTF, M3PTF, M4PTF - Transfer functions from actuators #1
and #2 (Longitudinal Motion) to Mass #3 and #4 Longitudinal and Pitch
Motions.
LongNoDamping, PitchNoDamping, Resonance Peak Amplitudes taken from
the data in the previous MXYTF plots.
Mass X Pitch/Longitudinal, using the same data the Qs of the modes are
plotted under different damping settings

====================================================

Caltech Isolation/Materials (DeSalvo)

SAS@ Hongo
Akiteru, et al. are preparing the final SAS Fabry Perot after
successfully locking one tower against the rest of a grounded Michelson.

Glassy metals.
Still no measurements done, but we expect ribbons and brazes and
mechanics for tests to be available soon. The expectations are that the
new non ferromagnetic and non hydrogen hungry strips should be as
resilient as metallic strips (like the 20 micron FeNiB glass that we
have) but with higher strength (5GPa, 4GPa useful) and high internal Q
(>10^4). The limitations are expected to come from thermoeleastic
noise, itself reasonably small due to the ~10 micron thickness of the
finished flex joints.
Szabi, Virginio, Alessandro, Akitero, Virginio
Following an idea from Szabi we are evaluating the possibility to apply
viscous damping using the LVDTs and constant force actuators directly
across the LIGO I stacks to eliminate the ill effects of their
resonances.
The main problem is that this is violating our own basic tenet of
isolation, which is to make attenuation in steps and relegate the
damping to the initial step. The danger is to effectively short circuit
the stack attenuation properties at high frequency.
The actuators seem to be adequate to completely meet LIGO I
requirements, we still have doubts on the sensors, we can easily make a
nanometer over root Hertz, but are bot sure that we can roll it off fast
enough. Then we have to study the viscous damping loop feasibility. If
interested, please consult in DCC our recent papers on LVDT and
constant force actuators.
This study is getting first priority, over everything else that we are
doing.
It is a large enterprise, but it has the potential of putting a rapid
patch on LIGO locking problems. We are presently in a fast exploratory
phase, but if this will be positive we will need help and support from
many people. Everybody will be welcome to help us as soon as we will be
told to give full power.
Given the long lead time of some components we have already ordered some
peek to make UHV compatible LVDTs and some horizontal accelerometers
which, in any evenience, can be recycled for the TAMA interferometer or
the thermal noise facility at Hongo.
About the last item mentioned, Kenji Numata decided to spend the last
half of his thesis studies converting the Hongo 3 m Fabry Perot into a
thermal noise facility. We will contribute by sending to Hongo the
first prototype of small SAS tower that will be used to support the
thermal noise bench (the 3 m FP being used as a mode cleaner). Being
equipped with low frequency isolation, the facility may turn out to be
good enough for suspension thermal noise measurements.
 

===================================================

Seismic Isolation Upgrade (Dennis Coyne)
 

This is a somewhat programmatic summary, from my perspective, of the efforts of many others (principally Brian Lantz, Joe Giaime, Corwin Hardham, Ken Mason, Dan DeBra, and many more)

The performance testing for the first generation of prototype hydraulic actuator was completed at Stanford. 1 DOF isolation of a factor of ~10, limited by the displacement sensing in this prototype, was achieved over a bandwidth > 10 Hz. (see attached noise spectrum). A second generation of hydraulic actuator has now been installed on the Stanford test stand and is undergoing testing. This unit incorporates a modified bellows for higher breathing mode frequency and will (eventually) incorporate a more effective bypass network.
An alternate (less expensive) eddy current position transducer has been obtained for evaluation. The displacement noise spectrum is comparable to the (baselined) Kaman sensors. Further evaluation will be done before selecting.
Characterization of the differential, Wheatstone bridge valve (DYP2S) continues at Stanford. The transition to turbulent flow was found to occur at flow rates less than required for our application. Initial modifications to the nozzle geometry are promising, but do not yet yield an acceptable margin.
The detailed design and procurement for the prototype hydraulic pump station to be used in the LASTI testing has begun at CIT, based on the earlier prototypes at Stanford and MIT. This unit will be tested for pressure noise spectrum with a simulated load before shipping to LASTI for integrated testing.
The assembly structure atop each BSC pier for integrating the sensors/hydraulic actuator assemblies and providing the spring support for the crossbeams, is in detailed design. We expect to release the drawings for prototype fabrication soon. A similar unit will be designed for a LASTI HAM prototype, with the alternate actuator (EM linear motor or piezo)
Fabrication of the prototype springs has nearly been completed. We were only able to find one company capable and interested in the spring fabrication. A spring tester is also being fabricated and will be available soon for measuring the spring rate.
In addition to the external pre-isolation approach (with either hydraulic or EM actuators), we are beginning to explore the use of in-vacuum sensing and actuation (across the stack from the support structure to the table). This later approach has the potential to actively damp stack modes, in combination with active isolation from the external pre-isolator. The internal sensing & actuation might be based on the units developed for TAMA, or other commercial sensors (e.g. geophones and the EM linear motors being developed for advanced LIGO).
A working meeting of the external pre-isolation team is being held at MIT this week. Key is to get a statement of the requirements defined, status/revision to the plan and schedule and establish a date for a project requirements & design review. Attached is a chart indicating the various approaches considered and then dismissed or being pursued.

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LASTI (Fritschel, Harry, MacInnis, Mason, Miller, Mittleman,
Ottaway, Phinney, Rollins, Shoemaker, Zucker)
 

Vacuum system: A number of battles with bellows leaks have taken place. The system
is now in a useable state and pumped down. Viewports for light access to the cavity
have been installed.

SOS Test Cavity: The two SOS (small optic suspensions, LIGO 1 style) have been installed
and the cavity is ready for use.

Pre-Stabilized Laser: The system is installed, and locked to the reference cavity. It is presently
being used to do pathfinding on an alternative topology for the fast control loop which may
prove advantageous for the observatories.

Pre-isolation: Significant progress has been made in the design of the structure which interfaces the actuators
to the support pier and support tubes. A design summit is taking place at MIT this week, January 31-Feb 1.
 

 comparison.xls_1-1feb021.pdf
 

 Coating_analysis_summary1feb021.pdf
 

 hyd_noise.pdf
 

 Strategies1.pdf
 

For additional information about this report, contact sanders@ligo.caltech.edu