Research report 2004 - Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Hanover)
Innovative Optics for Gravitational Wave Astronomy
Authors
Heurs, Michèle
Departments
Laserinterferometrie und Gravitationswellen-Astronomie (Prof. Dr. Karsten Danzmann)
MPI für Gravitationsphysik, Teilinstitut Hannover, Hannover
Summary
The first direct detection of gravitational waves will mark the beginning of gravitational wave astronomy, opening a new window to the universe. The necessary high detection sensitivity calls for ultra-stable high power lasers and advanced stabilisation techniques as well as innovative new concepts. This article gives an overview of these worldwide efforts, in which the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) plays a leading role.