Development of laser interferometer gravitational-wave detectors for LIGO

Frederick J. Raab

doi:10.1117/12.206439

7 April 1995 Development of laser interferometer gravitational-wave detectors for LIGO

Frederick J. Raab

Proceedings Volume 2385, Advanced Optical Methods for Ultrasensitive Detection; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.206439
Event: Photonics West '95, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), currently under construction, will observe cosmic-gravitational waves as small apparent displacements induced between suspended test masses. Laser interferometers with arm lengths of 4 kilometers, that are capable of resolving 10^-18 meter changes in armlength, are being developed for the observatory. A test-bed interferometer with 40 meter long arms has been constructed and is being used to develop detection techniques. Sensitivity to displacements of order 10^-17 meter and strains of order 10^-19 have already been demonstrated with this interferometer. This talk will discuss the technical challenges involved in this effort and review progress toward observatory and detector development.

Citation Download Citation

Frederick J. Raab "Development of laser interferometer gravitational-wave detectors for LIGO", Proc. SPIE 2385, Advanced Optical Methods for Ultrasensitive Detection, (7 April 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.206439

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