Listening to the songs of the universe: How vibration control for the laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatory (LIGO) allows us to measure ripples in the fabric of space

Abstract

In 2015, humanity made the first detection of gravitational waves from the violent collision of two black holes. As Einstein predicted, this collision sent waves through the fabric of space-time, but nearly 100 years passed between Einstein's prediction and the first measurement of these waves by the advanced LIGO detectors. The detection was made possible by many advances in the precision measurement. I will describe the detectors and one of the key technologies, the vibration isolation for the optics; at 10 Hz, the motion of the LIGO mirrors is at least 1,000,000,000 times less than the motion of the ground. By creating one of the quietest places on Earth, we have created a new way to listen to the stars.In 2015, humanity made the first detection of gravitational waves from the violent collision of two black holes. As Einstein predicted, this collision sent waves through the fabric of space-time, but nearly 100 years passed between Einstein's prediction and the first measurement of these waves by the advanced LIGO detectors. The detection was made possible by many advances in the precision measurement. I will describe the detectors and one of the key technologies, the vibration isolation for the optics; at 10 Hz, the motion of the LIGO mirrors is at least 1,000,000,000 times less than the motion of the ground. By creating one of the quietest places on Earth, we have created a new way to listen to the stars.