New technology enhances gravity wave detection

In a paper published earlier this month Physical comment lettera team of physicists led by Jonathan Richardson of the University of California, Riverside, demonstrates how new optical technologies can extend the detection range of gravitational wave observatorys, such as laser interferometer gravity-gravity wave observatory or Ligo, and observers who pave the way for the future.

Observations like Ligo have opened a new window in the universe since 2015. The future plans to upgrade to the 4km LIGO probe, as well as the construction of the next generation of 40km observatory universe explorers, aim to push the range of gravity wave detection to the earliest period of star formation in the earliest universe in the history of the universe. But realizing that these plans depend on reaching laser power levels of over 1 MW, far beyond Ligo’s capabilities today.

The research paper reports a breakthrough that will enable gravity wave detectors to reach extreme laser power. It proposes a new low-noise, high-resolution adaptive optical method that corrects the restricted distortion of the Ligo main 40kg mirror, which increases laser power as heated.

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Richardson, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy, explains the findings in this article in the following questions and answers:

What is gravitational wave?

Gravitational waves are a new way to observe the universe. They are predicted by equations of general theory of relativity. When a large number of objects accelerate or collide in the universe, distortions in the space-time structures propagate like ripples in the pond like the speed of light. These twists are gravitational waves, like electromagnetic waves, they have energy and power. Now, we have a lot of information about the extreme astrophysical objects that create them, such as black holes, and the physics of these waves propagating to our space-time properties.

How does Ligo work?

Ligo is one of the largest scientific equipment in the world. It consists of two 4km by 4km laser interferometers. One of these interferometers is inland Washington State. Another outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana. These sister sites operate in tandem, passively listening to any distortions of space-time that may propagate through the Earth as gravitational waves.

So far, Ligo has seen about 200 objects with compact star mass colliding and merging with each other. Most of them are the merger of two black holes, but we also see the merger of neutron stars. I hope we can one day find some sources that are completely unexpected and unpredictable. If you look at the history of astronomy, whenever we develop electromagnetic telescopes, we can observe light at a different wavelength than we have never seen before, we see the universe in new light and we almost always find new types The object of the wavelength band is visible in this wavelength band, but is not visible in other bands. I hope so is the gravity wave.

Tell us about the instrument you developed in the lab with LIGO applications.

My focus on UCR is on developing new laser adaptive optics to overcome very basic physical limitations to enable us to make detectors like Ligo. In most gravitational wave signal frequencies we can see from the ground, almost all are limited by the sensitivity of quantum mechanics, and the quantum properties of the laser light we use in interferometers can reflect the mirror. The instruments we developed in the lab are designed to deliver precise optical corrections directly to the main mirror of the LIGO interferometer. Our instruments are designed to be located only in front of the reflective surfaces of these mirrors and project very low noise-corrected infrared radiation onto the front surface of the mirror. It is the first prototype of a completely new approach using the principle of non-imaging optical and has never been used in gravity wave detection before.

What is a cosmic explorer?

The universe explorer is the American concept of the next generation of gravitational wave observatory in the United States. It is 10 times the size of the Ligo, so it is a 40 x 40 km long interferometer arm. It will be the largest scientific instrument ever. With its design sensitivity, these detectors will see the universe at an earlier time, and the universe is believed to account for 0.1% of the current 14 billion age, and the universe is more time than the formation of the first stars. We will be able to see snapshots of the universe very early on.

In short, what does the research paper discuss?

The paper shows that high-precision optical schooling is crucial to expanding our view of gravity waves of the universe. It lists the potential impact we expect our new technology to have on the next generation of Ligo and in the years to come. Importantly, this paper shows that this type of technology is necessary and sufficient to make the cyclic laser power in the Ligo detector higher. We hope this technology, as well as future versions, will be able to get more power in the interferometer.

Why is it important to conduct this research?

This study is expected to answer the deepest questions in physics and cosmology, such as the speed of the universe’s expansion and the true nature of black holes. At present, there are currently two contradictory measures regarding the local expansion rate of the universe, and gravitational waves can solve these measures. Gravitational waves will also provide accurate measurements of detailed dynamics around the range of black hole events, allowing us to directly test classical general relativity and alternative theories.