You only thermoelastically deform once: point absorber detection in LIGO test masses with YOLO

Current and future gravitational-wave observatories rely on large-scale, precision interferometers to detect the gravitational-wave signals. However, microscopic imperfections on the main interferometer mirrors, known as <i>point absorbers</i>, cause problematic heating of the optic via absorption of the high-power laser beam, which results in diminished sensitivity, loss of interferometer lock, or even permanent damage. Consistent monitoring of these mirrors is crucial for detecting, characterizing, and ultimately removing point absorbers. We present a machine-learning algorithm for detecting point absorbers based on the object-detection algorithm You Only Look Once (YOLO). The algorithm can perform this task in situ while the detector is in operation. We validate our algorithm by comparing it with past reports of point absorbers identified by humans at LIGO. The algorithm confidently identifies the same point absorbers as humans with minimal false positives. It also identifies some point absorbers previously not identified by humans, which we confirm with human follow-up. We highlight the potential of machine learning in detector commissioning efforts.