Thermal-noise-limited underground interferometer CLIO

Understand

We report on the current status of CLIO (Cryogenic Laser Interferometer Observatory), which is a prototype interferometer for LCGT (Large Scale Cryogenic Gravitational-Wave Telescope).

• LCGT is a Japanese next-generation interferometric gravitational wave detector featuring the use of cryogenic mirrors and a quiet underground site.
• The main purpose of CLIO is to demonstrate a reduction of the mirror thermal noise by cooling the sapphire mirrors.
• CLIO is located in an underground site of the Kamioka mine, 1000 m deep from the mountain top, to verify its advantages.