An optical trasduction chain for the AURIGA detector

We describe the principle of operation of an opto-mechanical readout for resonant mass gravitational wave detectors; with such a device the AURIGA detector is expected to reach a sensitivity at the level of math = 10-22/math over a bandwidth of about 40Hz. Recent developments in the implementation of this transduction chain are also reported. In particular we achieve quantum limited laser power noise in the frequency range of 200Hz around the bar fundamental frequency (about 1kHz) by means of active stabilization. We also set up a reference cavity of finesse 40000 with optically contacted mirrors on a 0.2m long Zerodur spacer. The cavity can be heated from room temperature to about 100 °C and temperature stabilized with fluctuations within 1mK over a period of several days. The cavity is under vacuum and isolated from mechanical disturbancies by means of a double stage cantilever system