Input test mass (mirror)
One of LIGO's input test masses (mirrors) during final inspection at the polisher. Test masses are the mirrors that reflect the laser light inside the interferometer. They're used to test changes in the interferometer's arm-lengths caused by the passage of gravitational waves. Each mirror weighs 40 kg (about 88 lbs) and is made from a pure fused silica glass.
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Input test mass (mirror)
Photograph Image
About the Image
- Date
- October 10, 2010
- Location
- LIGO Lab
- ID
- ligo20101010a
- Type
- Photograph
- Credit
- Caltech/MIT/LIGO Lab
