• Home
• Application
• Funding
• Projects
• International Hosts
• Schedule
• Other REU Sites

International Summer Research Program in Gravitational-Wave Physics:
Research Experiences for Undergraduates around the world

• Improving Parameter Estimation on Gravitational-Wave Signals:
  One of the main goals of gravitational-wave searches lies in the possibility of inferring the parameters of the sources from their gravitational-wave signature. For coalescing compact binaries, the parameter space can be quite large, e.g. 15 parameters for black-hole binaries with arbitrary spins. The presence of strong correlations and degeneracies in this large parameter space brings up a variety of challenges in searching for the true source parameters. We typically use stochastic techniques, such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo, to sample this parameter space. These techniques can be made more efficient by gaining a better understanding of the expected correlations. The goal of this project will be to search for such correlations and use the gained knowledge to improve jump proposal distributions.
  Mentor: Ilya Mandel
  Related Project 2012: "Improving Parameter Estimation on Gravitational-Wave Signals"
  Related Project 2013: "Parameter Estimation Accuracy in Hybrid Gravitational Waveform Modeling"
  
• The dance of death of black hole binary systems:
  The last few minutes of the dance macabre of a black hole binary can be studied in exquisite detail by gravitational-wave laser interferometers. These instruments record the signature of the structure of space-time in these extreme conditions by detecting the gravitational radiation that is emitted in the final stages of coalescence of binary black holes . Depending on the masses, spins and eccentricity of the binary, the orbit and space-time structure can be fantastically complex. The goal of the project is to develop a video and audio illustration of the structure of the space-time based on codes that we have developed within our group to model the evolution of these astrophysical systems. Such tools are extremely useful to develop a better intuition of the complex physics at work.
  Mentor: Alberto Vecchio
  Related Project 2012: "The dance of Death of Binary Black Hole Systems"
  Related Project 2013: "The Impact of Gravitational Waves: Detectability and Signatures"
  
• Developing an experimental prototype of a digital controlled mode-analyser optical cavity:
  The stability and purity of the input laser beams is crucial to the successful achievement of the ultimate sensitivity of present and future gravitational wave detectors such as Advanced LIGO and ET. This project will focus on the development of a digitally controlled, resonant optical cavity to serve as diagnostic system for the spatial analysis of the laser beam shape. We will make use of LabView controlled FPGAs and table-top rigid optical cavities. The resulting system can be a useful tool for the commissioning of table-top or large scale interferometric experiments.
  Mentors: Ludovico Carbone and Andreas Freise
  
• Numerical modelling of surface effects of finite beams:
  Gravitational wave detectors are becoming ever more sensitive, not only to actual signals but also to noise from a wide variety of sources. Whenever new optical technologies are proposed for their use in GW detectors, a detailed understanding of their overall performance is required to avoid the introduction of new noise sources. A particular area of interest is how finite beams behave when they interact with the surface of an object, such as dielectric boundaries or diffractive gratings. This will be investigated using analytic techniques and numerical simulations, so good math and computer skills would be advantageous..
  Mentor: Daniel Brown and Andreas Freise
  
• Tests of the inverse square law of gravitation at short ranges:
  Interactions that violate Newton's law are predicted by theories that aim to unify gravitation with the quantum gauge forces. Our experimental setup enables the Newtonian attraction between sub-mm sized masses to be measured against the background of electromagnetic forces. It includes cryogenic suspension, precise mass characterization and optimized minimization of electromagnetic effects. The student's project would involve investigating potential violations of the inverse square law of gravitation at sub-mm ranges.
  Mentor: Clive Speake
• Preferred frame laboratory:
  We are interested in searching for a sidereal anisotropy of the space-time through the detection of "preferential frame" effects. So far, we have built a low frequency torsion balance facility to search for variations in the gravitational strength between laboratory masses as a function of their orientation with respect to the fixed stars. With it we have set new upper limits on the Lorentz Symmetry violations posited by some theories. The student's project would focus on searches for new forces coupling mass and spin at short and long ranges. Scope exists for designing and conducting new experiments and well as developing robust analysis methods.
  Mentor: Clive Speake
• Development and applications of compact interferometers:
  For our Preferred Frame and Inverse Square Law experiments, we have developed a novel interferometric sensor which is capable of high sensitivity to displacement, is compact and is tolerant to a high degree to the tilt of the target mirror. Prototypes are now being tested for use in Advanced LIGO as geophone readout devices in the vibration isolation system and we are now collaborating on a space qualified system that could potentially be used in a number of space missions. A summer student's project would entail investigating compact interferometers in the laboratory and/or modeling new configurations numerically.
  Mentor: Clive Speake
  Related Project 2011: "Design Considerations of a Fiber Feed for a Cryogenic Polarizing Interferometer"
  

• Shaping a laser beam using a spatial light modulator:
  Current gravitational wave detectors use the fundamental Gaussian beam mode of ultra-stable lasers for measuring a gravitational-wave induced differential position change of the end mirror test masses in a long baseline interferometer. Unfortunately, Brownian motion of the mirror surface couples into the phase of the reflected laser light. It is well known that employing lasers with a different, more uniform, mode shape can reduce this thermal noise. Commercially available 'spatial light modulators' can turn a Gaussian beam shape into an arbitrary user defined pattern. The goal of the project is to learn how the spatial light modulator can be used to produce so-called higher-order Laguerre-Gaussian modes (which feature concentric rings) and to optimize the optical setup such that a pure mode shape is generated.
  Mentor: Andreas Freise
  Related Project 2011: "Experimental Inquiry into the Feasibility of Generating Laguerre-Gauss Modes at Laser Powers of Order 100W"
  
• The Optical Resonator Calculator:
  Optical resonators are a standard tool in precision optics and interferometry. They come in a variety of different shapes (linear, triangular, etc) and sizes (between microns and kilometers). Optical resonators are used in current gravitational wave detectors for various purposes, such as filtering or enhancing of individual light fields. The aim of this project is to develop an easy to use 'Optical Resonator Calculator' which would enable quick visualization of the characteristics of an optical resonator. The proposed application should have cross-platform operability, either through a web interface or by being based on JAVA. It should not only be fun to play with but also a useful illustrative tool for educational and outreach purposes.
  Mentor: Andreas Freise
  Related Project 2009: "Optical Resonator Calculator: Gravitational Wave Detector Cavity Simulations with Processing"