Measurements of mechanical Q in levitated paramagnetic crystals

Thermal noise from test masses, arising both from internal noise in the test mass material and from losses in the suspension wires and their attachments, is a significant factor limiting sensitivity of interferometric gravity-wave detectors. To investigate ways of reducing these noise sources we are using magnetic levitation in place of suspension wires. A search for high-Q crystals with magnetic properties allowing tests in moderate field strengths has led us to paramagnetic crystals, and we report preliminary results with small levitated samples of Gadolinium Gallium Garnet (GGG) and Terbium Gallium Garnet (TGG). The technique seems the first to allow Q measurements with no mechanical contact, and may facilitate work aimed at reducing thermal noise.