Advanced vibration isolation and control for a large suspended optical cavity

The gravitational wave interferometer detectors are the most sensitive instrument in the world. They sense the position change of test masses due to the passing gravitational waves to the precision in the order of 10^-20m!  The planned future detectors are aiming to improve the sensitivity 10-fold and broaden the sensitive frequency range.

Although the current detectors have achieved incredible sensitivity, there are many challenges ahead. One crucial challenge is seismic vibration isolation.  Various vibration isolation systems have been built for gravitational wave detection.  At the University of Western Australia, we are operating a high optical power facility to develop techniques for current and future gravitational wave detectors.  This project focuses on the crucial task of achieving high levels of vibration isolation and control for the 80m suspended cavities.  

As part of our team, you will gain hands-on training with the most advanced real-time control system for LIGO detectors, the Control and Data System (CDS). Additionally, you will gain valuable experimental experience working with a diverse array of sensors and actuators, including shadow sensors, photodetectors, coil actuators, seismometers, and more. This multifaceted training will enhance your technical knowledge, broaden your horizons, and prepare you for a future at the forefront of scientific discovery.

Our UWA team is part of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and contributed key technologies toward the first detection of gravitational waves. We are looking for highly motivated students to join our research team.  

Completed/or expected to complete a Master’s degree in Physics or Engineering. Applicants with prior knowledge of control. Matlab and  Python will be preferred.

To be competitive in winning a scholarship, students are expected to have an excellent academic record, with a GPA > 8/10, or 3.5/4.0, or high distinction (HD).  

Interested applicants please contact

Prof Li Ju (li.ju@uwa.edu.au)

Please include the following documents

·      Cover letter

·      CV

·      Academic transcript (if possible, an estimation of GPA ranking in your department)

·      2 referee contacts (or support letters from the referees)

·      Any research experience or publication and additional information that was not included in the CV.