Researchers at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) have successfully surpassed the quantum limit by using a technique called quantum squeezing, which enables the detectors to probe a larger volume of the universe. It’s also expected to detect around 60% more mergers than before, thus greatly boosting LIGO’s ability to study the exotic events that shake space and time.
The data collected from these results could have ramifications for future quantum technologies including quantum computers and other microelectronics as well as for fundamental physics experiments. For the past four years, LIGO’s twin detectors have been squeezing light in such a way as to improve their sensitivity to the upper frequency range of gravitational waves they detect.
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Photo credit: Wenxuan Jia/ Massachusetts Institute of Technology
When NSF first invested in building the twin LIGO detectors in the late 1990s, we were enthusiastic about the potential to observe gravitational waves. Not only did these detectors make possible groundbreaking discoveries, they also unleashed the design and development of novel technologies. This is truly exemplar of the DNA of NSF — curiosity-driven explorations coupled with use-inspired innovations. Through decades of continuing investments and expansion of international partnerships, LIGO is further poised to advance rich discoveries and technological progress,” said Sethuraman Panchanathan, NSF Director.
