Albert Einstein Institute | Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics | 2017 Feb 09
Further strengthening of research at the AEI and the Laser Zentrum Hannover
One year ago, the first direct detection of gravitational waves was announced. Laser experts from the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute; AEI), from the Leibniz Universität Hannover, and from the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) played leading roles in this discovery, because their super-precise laser technology at the heart of the LIGO instruments in the USA enabled the detection of weak gravitational-wave signals. Now, AEI researchers have presented two new technologies capable of further increasing the sensitivity of future gravitational-wave detectors. The Max Planck Society now strengthens the development of laser systems for third-generation gravitational-wave detectors. The AEI, in collaboration with the LZH, receives over the next five years 3.75 million Euro research funding for the development of novel lasers Zentrum Hannover receives over the next five years 3.75 million Euro research funding for the development of novel lasers and stabilization methods.
“We have made two important breakthroughs,” says Apl. Prof. Benno Willke, leader of the laser development group at the AEI. “Our work is another step towards using a novel type of laser beam profile in interferometric gravitational-wave detectors. Furthermore, we have shown how to increase the power stability of the high-power lasers used in the detectors. These are important steps towards the future of gravitational-wave astronomy.” ...
Shot-Noise-Limited Laser Power Stabilization for the
AEI 10m Prototype Interferometer - Jonas Junker, Patrick Oppermann, Benno Willke
- Optics Letters 42(4):755 (2017 Feb 15) DOI: 10.1364/OL.42.000755
for future gravitational wave detectors - Andreas Noack, Christina Bogan, Benno Willke
- Optics Letters 42(4):751 (2017 Feb 15) DOI: 10.1364/OL.42.000751