Gravitational-wave detector development

We are dedicated to developing new technologies to improve both the sensitivity and operational time of gravitational-wave detectors.

Gravitational-wave detectors are incredibly complex instruments with remarkable sensitivities, reaching as low as 10-20 meters during operation, limited by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. These detectors undergo continuous upgrades to enhance their astrophysical sensitivity, incorporating cutting-edge technologies during breaks in their year-long observing runs.

At the Gravity Exploration Institute, our efforts have contributed to enhancing the sensitivity and operational time (the time the detectors can observe) of Advanced LIGO through various advancements, such as improved seismic isolation systems and upgraded electronics for photodetectors used in the gravitational-wave signal detection.

Looking ahead to next-generation gravitational-wave detectors, we are pursuing several innovative projects. These include developing an alternative thermal compensation system, designing specialised sensors to measure optical properties like birefringence, and exploring a novel approach to dynamically tune the detectors' most sensitive frequency bandwidth.