6. Sapphire fibers for gravitational-wave detectors

Sapphire is the material of choice in optical and electro-optical systems for scientific, industrial and military applications, which require a stable, robust material with high reliability, high strength and a wide range of light transmission encompassing the ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectral regions. Over the last ten years, sapphire crystals have undergone a veritable renaissance in terms of research and development. This revival is partly linked to the emergence of new fields of application, such as high-power lasers, the detection of gravitational waves and, above all, the optimization of existing applications (photonics, medical, security, watchmaking, etc.).

On September 14, 2015, a gravitational wave was detected for the first time by the two interferometers of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) located respectively in...