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Abstract:
Second-generation interferometric gravitational wave detectors require high-power lasers with approximately 200 W of output power in a linear polarized, single-frequency, fundamental-mode laser beam. Furthermore very high temporal and spatial stability is required. This paper discusses the design of a 200 W pre-stabilized laser (PSL) system and the underlying concepts. The PSL requirements for advanced gravitational wave detectors as well as for the laser system are described. The laser stabilization scheme proposed for the Advanced LIGO gravitational wave detector and the so-called diagnostic breadboard will serve as examples to explain the general laser stabilization concepts and the achieved performance and its limitations.
