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Quantum expander for gravitational-wave observatories
Mikhail Korobko1, Yiqiu Ma2, Yanbei Chen2
11Institut für Laserphysik und Zentrum für Optische Quantentechnologien, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
Light, Science & Applications
|December 17, 2019
Summary
Scientists developed a new optical method to expand the detection bandwidth of gravitational-wave observatories. This technique uses quantum uncertainty squeezing to improve sensitivity for detecting high-frequency signals from cosmic events.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Gravitational-Wave Astronomy
- Metrology
Background:
- Quantum uncertainty in laser light inherently limits the sensitivity of current gravitational-wave detectors.
- Existing methods like quantum squeezing and optical resonators have limitations, particularly in resolving high-frequency signals from compact-binary merger ring-downs due to finite resonator linewidths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel, purely optical approach to overcome the bandwidth limitations of current gravitational-wave detection techniques.
- To enhance the sensitivity of future gravitational-wave detectors by expanding their detection bandwidth.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of quantum uncertainty squeezing within an optical resonator.
- This method aims to compensate for the finite linewidths of resonators without compromising low-frequency sensitivity.
Main Results:
- The proposed 'quantum expander' effectively broadens the detection bandwidth.
- It maintains high sensitivity at low frequencies while enabling the resolution of higher signal frequencies.
Conclusions:
- The developed quantum expander offers a significant advancement for future gravitational-wave observatories.
- This technique holds potential for application in other cavity-enhanced metrological experiments requiring enhanced sensitivity and bandwidth.
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