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Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-Wave Observatory
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Inspecting LIGO's optics for contaminants

Prior to sealing up the chamber and pumping the vacuum system down, a LIGO optics technician inspects one of LIGO’s core optics (mirrors) by illuminating its surface with light at a glancing angle. It is critical to LIGO's operation that there is no contamination on any of its optical surfaces.

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About the Image
Date
December 14, 2015
Location
Livingston
ID
ligo20151214
Type
Photograph
Credit
Caltech/MIT/LIGO Lab/(Matt Heintze)
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The LIGO Laboratory is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation award PHY-2309200 and
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