The Stanford Advanced Gravitational Wave Detector Research Program

Stanford University, Stanford CA

Investigators

Abstract

The Stanford gravitational wave detection group is working in direct support of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) project supported by the NSF. The research aims to develop cutting edge technologies in the areas of: high power lasers; low absorption materials for optics and mirror coatings; high-power high-quantum-efficiency photo-detectors; advanced interferometer configurations; adaptive-optics; active seismic isolation and feedback and control systems. The LIGO observatory is being commissioned and when operational should give us a glimpse of the range of astronomical gravitational wave sources that may be detectable. Gravitational wave sources such as interacting black holes, coalescing compact binary systems, stellar collapses, pulsars and low-mass x-ray binaries are all possible candidates for detection. Observing gravitational wave signals will significantly enhance our understanding of the Universe and detectors of higher performance are required to exploit the potential of gravitational wave astronomy. The Stanford research program is directed towards developing the technology essential to the operation of Advanced LIGO and future gravitational wave detectors.