First coincidence experiments between cryogenic resonant-mass gravitational wave detectors, 1. Development of a thin film superconducting transducer for a gravitational wave antenna, 2

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5813254

Stevenson, T R

Two aspects of detecting gravitational radiation from astrophysical sources are examined. First, the data collection and analysis for a coincidence experiment using gravitational wave detectors are described. This experiment was important for several reasons: (1) it was the first coincidence experiment between cryogenic resonant mass detectors; (2) it improved the observational upper limit on the flux of impulsive gravitational waves that impinge upon the Earth; and (3) it lead to the development of a data analysis method for converting the experimental results into an astrophysical meaningful limit on the flux of gravitational radiation from impulsive events. Next, the development of a superconducting thin film motion transducer intended for use on an ultralow temperature detector is described. To reach the sensitivity goal, the physical temperature of the detector will be lowered to 40 mK, a lower noise SQUID amplifier will be used, and a new motion transducer will be developed. The design and fabrication process are described. The experimental results obtained with the first prototype transducer are given.

• Research Organization: Stanford Univ., CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5813254
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

661300* -- Other Aspects of Physical Science-- (1992-)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COINCIDENCE CIRCUITS
CRYOGENICS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
FILMS
GRAVITATIONAL WAVE DETECTORS
GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NOISE
RADIATION DETECTORS
SENSITIVITY
SUPERCONDUCTING DEVICES
SUPERCONDUCTING FILMS
TRANSDUCERS