[Physics-grads-open] Physics & Astronomy Colloquium, March 9th

[Heather A McDermott]

[cid:18627e3ec714cff311]

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium







Wielding Quantum Optics for Gravitational Physics


Dr. Lee McCuller

Caltech


Abstract: Optical interferometer observatories such as LIGO have begun a new era of astrophysics by measuring the length of their vast arms to such precision that gravitational waves from distant collisions of black holes and neutron stars are now regularly observed. This past run, the global gravitational wave network itself entered a new era, whereby every detector has enhanced sensitivity using quantum squeezed states of light, limited by mechanical back-action and optical loss. LIGO is now commissioning the "Frequency-dependent squeezing"  upgrade for its next observing run. This technique suppresses back-action in the form of quantum radiation pressure, seemingly bypassing trade-offs from Heisenberg uncertainty. This talk will: overview squeezing for enhancing astrophysics; introduce Cosmic Explorer, next-generation gravitational wave observatories with deep cosmological reach; and detail a tabletop experiment at Caltech that hopes to realize a different type of quantum enhancements to shed light on experimental techniques where quantum measurement and astronomical signal analysis can collide.







Thursday, March 9th, 2023

3:40 PM in Winston Chung Hall (Room 138)

Coffee will be served at 3:10 PM in the Barkas Lounge (3049 Physics)


Heather McDermott
Travel & Events Coordinator
Physics & Astronomy Dept.
UC Riverside
3401 Watkins Dr.
Riverside, CA 92521
P: 951-827-6169
Available via Zoom Link: https://ucr.zoom.us/my/heathermcdermott

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