02/16: neoLASE involved in the first gravitational wave discovery

The laser technology for the first, direct detection of gravitational waves is a result of a successful cooperation between the Max-Plank-Institute for Gravitationsphysik (Albert-Einstein Institut) the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) and the neoLASE GmbH. “I’m working for about 15 years on the laser development for gravitational wave detectors and I’m proud to be part of this pioneering discovery” commented neoLASE CEO Dr. Maik Frede.

Scientists all over the world were searching for the direct detection of gravitational waves as predicted by Albert Einstein about 100 years ago. With the announcement of a direct detection of gravitational waves, this theory becomes true.

The extraordinary sensitivity needed for the detection of gravitational waves requires unique interferometers and laser systems with highest beam quality and stability. The first 35 W laser systems [1] for the US laser interferometer LIGO [2] were delivered in 2008. These systems consisting of a highly stable laser oscillator and an optical amplifier were operated in the “Enhanced LIGO” phase for years and extended by another laser oscillator in 2012. This, so called advanced LIGO laser system [4] delivers an output power of 200 W and will enable a deeper look into the universe and therefore new possibilities to explore the cosmos.

neoLASE congratulates the whole LIGO Scientific Collaboration and is looking forward on further exiting discovery’s.

 

  1. M. Frede et al. “Fundamental mode, single-frequency laser amplifier for gravitational wave detectors,” Opt. Express 15, 459-465 (2007).
  2. https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/
  3. M. Frede, Dissertation, Einfrequentes Laserlicht höchster Brillianz
  4. P. Kwee et al. “Stabilized high-power laser system for the gravitational wave detector advanced LIGO” , Optics Express Vol. 20, Issue 10, pp. 10617-10634 (2012)

Further Links:

The Laser That Helped Detect Gravitational Wave

Jahrhundertsensation: Erster direkter Nachweis von Gravitationswellen

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29. 6 月 2016

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