Analysis of sub-shot noise power recycled Michelson interferometer

Abstract

The sensitivity of interferometric gravitational wave detectors is ultimately limited by the 'quantum noise' of light. In this paper we compare results from a bench-top experiment and a theoretical model which show how squeezed states of light may be used to modify the quantum noise behaviour of a power recycled Michel son interferometer. We develop a simple theoretical model of the experiment and find close agreement of theoretical and experimental results. We measure quantum noise suppression of 2.3 dB and demonstrate the lock stability of the experiment for long periods.