We present a simple feedback description of parametric instabilities which can be applied to a variety of optical systems. Parametric instabilities are of particular interest to the field of gravitational-wave interferometry where high mechanical quality factors and a large amount of stored optical power have the potential for instability. In our use of Advanced LIGO as an example application, we find that parametric instabilities, if left unaddressed, present a potential threat to the stability of high-power operation.
@article{arxiv.0910.2716,
title = {A General Approach to Optomechanical Parametric Instabilities},
author = {M. Evans and L. Barsotti and P. Fritschel},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0910.2716},
year = {2010}
}