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

• High precision measurement of optical parameters for GW interferometers using Hartmann wavefront sensors:
  Hartmann sensors can measure wavefronts and changes in wavefronts with unsurpassed sensitivity and accuracy - and they are robust and simple to use. On-axis sensors have thus been installed in the aLIGO interferometers to measure absorption-induced wavefront distortion in the input test masses (ITMs) and to monitor the Thermal Compensation System used to compensate for these distortions. They can also be used for a variety of other applications that will be important for the development of next-generation GW interferometers, such as the measurement of:
  
  • Wavefront distortion in beam-splitters,
  • Focal lengths of lenses, and characterization of image- and wavefront-relay telescopes, and
  • Off-axis measurement of absorption-induced changes in the radius of curvature of the test masses.
  The aim of your project would be to investigate one of these applications and determine its sensitivity.
  Mentors: David Ottaway and Peter Veitch
  Related Project 2010: "Characterizing the Temperature Sensitivity of the Hartmann Sensor"

• Characterization of latest generation Hartmann sensor:
  We have recently developed a next generation Hartmann sensor. This sensor makes use of careful thermal engineering to improve the long term stability of the sensor. Preliminary measurements have shown that the sensor has a sensitivity better than lambda/25000. This project will complete the characterization of the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor.
  Mentors: David Ottaway and Peter Veitch
  Related Project 2010: "Characterizing the Temperature Sensitivity of the Hartmann Sensor"
• Development of Matlab programs for analysis of Hartmann measurements:
  The state-of-the art CCD camera in the Hartmann sensor records the intensity distribution of the Hartmann probe beam. In this project, you will interface the cameras to a PC running a Linux operating system, and develop Matlab programs to analyze the intensity distribution, thereby determining the thermal state of the interferometer.
  Mentors: David Ottaway and Peter Veitch
• Related Project 2011: "Setting up for a Backscatter Rate Experiment in an Optical Cavity"