Detector Technology for Gravitational-Wave Astrophysics

该奖项支持引力波探测仪器的研究，它解决了NSF“宇宙之窗”大构想的优先领域。自2015年首次发现引力波以来，美国国家科学基金会的高级LIGO已经观测到无数黑洞和中子星碰撞，为天体物理学、宇宙学、基础物理学和核物理学的一系列广泛问题提供了新的视角。通过控制在高激光功率下工作时的热畸变效应，以及降低其测试质量反射镜涂层中的热噪声，可以进一步提高天文台的灵敏度。该奖项资助研究更好的激光波前畸变传感器和致动器，并支持为地面引力波探测器寻找更好的涂层材料的合作研究。这两个研究方向都追求显著扩大先进LIGO观测范围的共同目标。该奖项为学生和博士后提供了进入世界级天文台的机会，并为他们担任科学领导职位做准备。该奖项专门为以下方面提供资金：(i)开发基于模式转换器的光学波前传感器，能够同时感知先进LIGO探测器的腔对准和模式匹配。(2)。基于像素解调的相位相机的开发，以高帧率提供探测器中激光场的高分辨率射频拍图。该相机用于干涉仪调试和反馈控制。(3)。探索高阶波前像差的侦测与控制方法。（iv）继续与LIGO实验室合作提供调试支持，在即将到来的O3和O4观测运行中提高Advanced LIGO的天体物理灵敏度和带宽。(v)用于测量新涂层在低温下的机械损耗的低温节点悬架的建造和测试的安装支撑。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This awards supports research in gravitational wave detector instrumentation, and it addresses the priority areas of NSF's "Windows on the Universe" Big Idea. Since its initial gravitational-wave discovery in 2015 the NSF's Advanced LIGO has observed numerous black hole and neutron star collisions, shedding new light on a broad set of questions in astrophysics, cosmology, fundamental physics, and nuclear physics. The observatories' sensitivity can be improved further by controlling thermal distortion effects when operating at high laser power, and by lowering the thermal noise in its test mass mirror coatings. This award funds research into better laser wave front distortion sensors and actuators, and supports collaborative research into finding better coating materials for terrestrial gravitational-wave detectors. Both research directions pursue the common goal of significantly expanding the observational reach of Advanced LIGO. The award provides students and postdocs access to a world-class observatory and prepares them for scientific leadership positions.The award specifically provides funding for: (i.) The development mode-converter-based optical wave front sensors, capable of simultaneously sensing cavity alignment and mode-match for the Advanced LIGO detector. (ii.) The development of a phase camera, based on pixel-demodulation, to provide high-resolution RF beat maps of the laser field in the detector at a high frame rate. The camera is intended for use in interferometer commissioning and feedback control. (iii.) Exploring options for sensing and control of higher-order wave front aberrations. (iv.) Continued commissioning support in collaboration with LIGO Laboratory to improve the astrophysical sensitivity and bandwidth of Advanced LIGO in the upcoming O3 and O4 observing runs. (v.) Installation support for the construction and testing of a cryogenic nodal suspension for measuring mechanical loss of new coatings down to cryogenic temperatures.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.