Experimentally exploring micro-crystallization in LIGO optics.

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory's (LIGO's) observations of gravitational waves from astronomical objects have opened a new field of astronomy. Optical scatter in LIGO reduces the detector's optical power and thus its astronomical reach. One possible source of this scattered light is micro-crystallization in the LIGO optics as a result of the annealing process they go through, in which they are heated to 500ºC to reduce thermal noise and material stresses. This poster presents an experiment designed to explore micro-crystallization in the LIGO optics by imaging scattered light while each optic is being heated. In particular, it describes work done to develop the apparatus and the instrument's current status.