Development of Electromechanical Transducers for Gravita- tional Radiation Detectors and Quantum Measurement Investigations (Physics)

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The present generation of resonant mass gravitational radiation detectors are limited in sensitivity by the electromechanical transducers which convert the antenna vibration to an electrical signal which may be analyzed to search for candidate gravitational wave events. Professor Bocko is developing a superconducting - radio frequency transducer in an effort to improve the sensitivity of existing gravitational radiation antennae. The same transducer scheme may be used to continuously monitor a very small, but macroscopic, mechanical resonator he is working to achieve a sensitivity level at which one may explore the quantum mechanical limits of weak force detection. The results of these experiments may have a profound influence on quantum measurement theory and will serve as a guide in the development of the practical applicator of quantum measurement theory to ultra-low noise measurements.