LIGO Hanford
LIGO Caltech | Livingston Observatory | LIGO MIT
Ligo_signals
LIGO
Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-Wave Observatory
Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation
Operated by Caltech and MIT
About Learn More News Gallery Educational Resources For Scientists Study & Careers
LIGO Exploration Center (LExC) For Public and Community For Educators Driving Directions
Itm

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.

Download Image
JPG
About the Image
Date
October 10, 2010
Location
LIGO Lab
ID
ligo20101010a
Type
Photograph
Credit
Caltech/MIT/LIGO Lab
Contact LIGO Hanford

Physical/shipping address:
127124 N Rt. 10
Richland, WA 99354

Postal address:
PO Box 159
Richland, WA 99352-0159

Other Outreach Inquiries: Outreach Department

Information: (509) 372-8106

Careers

Anti-Harassment Policy | Image Use Policy | Privacy Policy

Footer_nsf Footer_caltech Footer_mit

The LIGO Laboratory is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation award PHY-2309200 and
operated jointly by Caltech and MIT. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations
expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Footer_lsc Footer_virgo

LIGO Laboratory is member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration.
We observe and publish science with the Virgo Collaboration

Website designed by IPAC Communications & Education Team