Periodic Reporting for period 3 - OmniSens (Omni-directional interferometric inertial sensor)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2023-09-01 do 2025-02-28
We can unravel some of the mysteries of cosmic evolution with gravitational waves by listening for signals from objects deep in the universe. However, these signals are buried behind a wall of noise. We will break down the wall by using laser interferometers to build ‘active noise cancellation’ allowing us to hear the cosmic symphony.
The primary objectives are to build a new kind of vibration isolation system based on brand new technologies developed within the gravitational-wave community. The '6D interferometric isolator' will approach the fundamental limits imposed by materials and terrestrial gravity. The central component is a single, large reference mass that is sensed in all directions. The reference mass is carefully shielded from all external forces. A large platform surrounds the reference mass and it is actively controlled to keep their separation constant, effectively transferring the inertial stability of the mass to the platform, similar to flying a satellite around a free-floating 'proof' mass.
The major problems being addressed are:
- the strong forces imposed by earth's gravity, and how they limit our ability to measure acceleration, and
- the noise imposed by traditional sensing technologies.
We have come up with solutions that will substantially improve both of these limitations.
The impact for society is twofold. First, any time new, better instrumentation is developed for scientific instruments, it has flow-on effects in high-tech industry. In particular, the semiconductor fabrication industry and ultra-precise microscopy both rely on vibration isolation. This project has the potential to change both of these fields for the better. Second, as with all astronomy-motivated payoff, there is a payoff in 'scientific capital', increasing our understanding of the universe. Astronomy has traditionally been a strong motivator for STEM students, and gravitational-wave astronomy sits at the forefront of the field.
The primary objectives are to build a new kind of vibration isolation system based on brand new technologies developed within the gravitational-wave community. The '6D interferometric isolator' will approach the fundamental limits imposed by materials and terrestrial gravity. The central component is a single, large reference mass that is sensed in all directions. The reference mass is carefully shielded from all external forces. A large platform surrounds the reference mass and it is actively controlled to keep their separation constant, effectively transferring the inertial stability of the mass to the platform, similar to flying a satellite around a free-floating 'proof' mass.
The major problems being addressed are:
- the strong forces imposed by earth's gravity, and how they limit our ability to measure acceleration, and
- the noise imposed by traditional sensing technologies.
We have come up with solutions that will substantially improve both of these limitations.
The impact for society is twofold. First, any time new, better instrumentation is developed for scientific instruments, it has flow-on effects in high-tech industry. In particular, the semiconductor fabrication industry and ultra-precise microscopy both rely on vibration isolation. This project has the potential to change both of these fields for the better. Second, as with all astronomy-motivated payoff, there is a payoff in 'scientific capital', increasing our understanding of the universe. Astronomy has traditionally been a strong motivator for STEM students, and gravitational-wave astronomy sits at the forefront of the field.
Interferometric sensors are one of the technological pillars of this project. Our device, named HoQI (Homodyne Quadrature Interferometer), is now in use at 5 world-leading laboratories around the world. It has demonstrated performance well beyond the state-of-the-art and it is both robust and straightforward to use, especially for a relatively immature technology.
Our work has focussed on the robustness, repeatability, and ease of deployment. In return, HoQI is now a part of the most sensitive inertial rotation sensor in the world, deployed within gravitational-wave detector prototypes, and on a fast-track to improving the LIGO gravitational-wave observatories.
We have developed a new six-axis active platform. Our design builds on the most advanced versions currently in operation, and reduces the complexity, cost, size, and mass of the system. When tested, we will have a blueprint that can enable any other group to build a similar instrument.
Our modeling work analysing the flow from ground vibration to gravitational-wave detectors is world-class and we are developing new tools to build a ‘digital twin’ of the Einstein Telescope. This kind of modeling is essential to ensure that the planned billion-Euro facility can reach its astronomical goals.
Our work has focussed on the robustness, repeatability, and ease of deployment. In return, HoQI is now a part of the most sensitive inertial rotation sensor in the world, deployed within gravitational-wave detector prototypes, and on a fast-track to improving the LIGO gravitational-wave observatories.
We have developed a new six-axis active platform. Our design builds on the most advanced versions currently in operation, and reduces the complexity, cost, size, and mass of the system. When tested, we will have a blueprint that can enable any other group to build a similar instrument.
Our modeling work analysing the flow from ground vibration to gravitational-wave detectors is world-class and we are developing new tools to build a ‘digital twin’ of the Einstein Telescope. This kind of modeling is essential to ensure that the planned billion-Euro facility can reach its astronomical goals.
Our HoQI sensors are now acknowledged as world-best devices and they perform 2-4 orders of magnitude better than their traditional equivalents. As the project continues we expect to see HoQIs deployed at more scientific institutions, with potential improvements for a range of experiments.
We expect that our modeling work will expand to provide clear provenance for the requirements of the Einstein Telescope. From this stable base, it will be clear that substantial improvements are required beyond the current state-of-the-art in vibration isolation.
By the end of the project, our 6D interferometric isolation system will be operating at a level unachievable with commercial devices. We expect to show a clear path to a device that can meet the needs of the Einstein Telescope, though it is likely impossible to meet those requirements in the centre of Amsterdam.
We expect that our modeling work will expand to provide clear provenance for the requirements of the Einstein Telescope. From this stable base, it will be clear that substantial improvements are required beyond the current state-of-the-art in vibration isolation.
By the end of the project, our 6D interferometric isolation system will be operating at a level unachievable with commercial devices. We expect to show a clear path to a device that can meet the needs of the Einstein Telescope, though it is likely impossible to meet those requirements in the centre of Amsterdam.