Improving the sensitivity of gravitational-wave detectors

Ruaraidh will work on the adaptive optics for the next-generation gravitational wave detectors, such as Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope. The gravitational-wave detectors are the laser interferometers.

To accomplish the extremely high sensitivity for space-time distortion that is limited by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, hundreds of kW of laser circulate the optical cavities. The laser light distorts the high-precision optics surfaces and causes thermal lensing.

He will develop a new thermal compensation system that will compensate for the distorted wavefront of the high-power lasers to enable high sensitivity and stable operation.