Experimental General Relativity and Gravitational Waves

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Gravitational Astronomy

1. Experimental general relativity [David Blair]
2. Gravitational waves in general relativity [David Blair]
3. The gravitational wave spectrum [David Blair]
4. Black hole systems [David Blair]
5. Resonant mass and electromagnetic gravitational wave detectors [David Blair]
6. Introduction to laser interferometer gravitational wave detectors [Chunnong Zhao]

Module 2: The Physics and technology of Gravitational Wave detectors

1. Introduction to laser interferometer gravitational wave detectors [Chunnong Zhao] (from module 1)
2. Dual recycling interferometers [Chunnong Zhao]
3. Control and operation of interferometer detectors [Chunnong Zhao]
4. The physics of high optical power interferometers—3 mode opto-acoustic interactions [Chunnong Zhao]
5. Optical cavity designs for interferometer detectors [Pablo Barriga]
6. Quantum noise and technical noise: The enemy of sensitive experiments-noises [Li Ju] (repeats in module 3)
7. Seismic noise and vibration isolation systems for interferometer detectors [Li Ju]
8. Thermal effects in laser interferometer detectors [Li Ju] (optional for Module 2)

Module 3: Gravitational Wave Astronomy: Data analysis and Measurements Beyond the Quantum Limit

1. Introduction to laser interferometer gravitational wave detectors [Chunnong Zhao] (from module 1 or 2)
2. Gravitational wave data analysis [Linqing Wen]
3. Networks of Gravitational wave detector [Linqing Wen]
4. Measuring the signal at/beyond the Quantum limit (1) [Yanbei Chen (Caltech)]
5. Measuring the signal at/beyond the Quantum limit (2) [Yanbei Chen (Caltech)]
6. Measuring the signal at/beyond the Quantum limit (3) [Yanbei Chen (Caltech)]

Schedule

Assessment

6 questions per module, 1-2 pages per question. Designed to test your knowledge, understanding and capability, in regard to the central topic of each lecture. Assignments may be hand written in your own words (no plagiarism but referenced quotations allowed).

Deadline

End of second semester study break.

Coordinating Lecturer