We are a part of the Birmingham Astrophysics and Space Research Group where we have built sensors, actuators and control electronics for the LIGO suspensions within the Advanced LIGO UK Project. We currently develop new designs and technologies for future gravitational-wave detectors within the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. We also study macroscopic quantum optomechanics and search for axion dark matter within the Quantum Interferometry collaboration.
QTFP Quantum optomechanics
Quantum optomechanics technology promises significant reduction of thermal noises and is considered by the GW community as the key element of the future GW antennas, such as Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope. In this experiment, we explore macroscopic quantum mechanics phenomena, such as quantum back-action noise, with silicon mirrors.
In our group, we are building an experiment that will show the feasibility of preparing a macroscopic quantum-limited system within a regular laboratory environment. This will be achieved by suspending a cryogenically cooled, high-finesse optical cavity via a multi-stage suspension. We motivate the utility of our experiment in providing an increased understanding of the nature of quantum fluctuations in current and future gravitational wave detectors, as well as opening an avenue for research into aspects of macroscopic quantum mechanics and quantum gravity.
The research project is a part of the Quantum-enhanced Interferometry for New Physics programme that is funded by the UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council under the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics initiative.
Figures:
Figure 1: Installed cryostat
Figure 2: CAD model of the suspension system
Figure 3: Layout of the experiment
Selected publications:
Towards the Standard Quantum Limit in a Table-Top Interferometer
STFC 6D seismometer
Pushing this seismic wall in GW detectors to lower frequencies will have two critical effects: expansion of the astrophysical reach and reduction of the impact of environmental disturbances on the observatories. We propose to solve the problem of ground vibrations with a 6D seismometer which measures the bench motion in all 6 degrees of freedom with optical sensors.
In our group, we perform the full set of tasks related to the development of the 6D seismometer: simulations, CAD modelling, and experimental research.
The research project is a part of the Astrophysics at the University of Birmingham programme and Gravitational Wave Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, STFC Equipment Call 2018 that are funded by the UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Figures:
Figure 1: Picture of the seismomenter installation
Figure 2: M-6D protopype
Figure 3: C-6D seismometer
Selected publications:
A 6D interferometric inertial isolation system
Active platform stabilisation with a 6D seismometer
Design and sensitivity of a 6-axis seismometer for gravitational wave observatories
EPSRC Optical coatings
Optical coatings are formed by alternating layers of materials with different refractive indices and are utilised to reflect light from the mirror surfaces. Thermal motion of atoms inside optical coatings leads to the random phase modulation of light and noise in the readout channel of the gravitational-wave detectors, optical atomic clocks, and quantum optomechanical systems.
In collaboration with the UK National Quantum Hub in Sensors and Timing, we build an MIT-type experiment to measure properties of the key interferometric components: optical coatings, at 1550 nm. The key idea of the measurement is to resonate two beams in the same optical cavity and make all noises common to these beams, except for the thermal noises.
The research project "Coating thermal noise measurement with a multimode resonator" is funded by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council as the New Investigator initiative.
Figures:
Figure 1: Laboratory
Figure 2: Optical layout of the experiment
Figure 3: Stability of reference cavities with current and future coatings
Selected publications:
Audio-band coating thermal noise measurement for Advanced LIGO with a multimode optical resonator.
QTFP Axion interferometer
There are many theories that try to explain the nature of dark matter. Analyses of a range of observations, including the rotation velocities of galaxies, the dynamics of galaxy clusters, microlensing, and the large-scale structure of the universe led most of the scientific community to accept non-baryonic particles as the primary dark matter candidates.
The physical principle of axion-like-particle searches pursuits by our group is to explore a phase velocity difference between left- and right-handed circularly polarized light which propagates in the presence of axion-like-particle fields. We build a quantum-enhanced interferometer to measure the phase difference induced by axions with masses from 10-16 eV up to 10-8 eV.
The research project is a part of the Quantum-enhanced Interferometry for New Physics programme that is funded by the UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council under the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics initiative.
Figures:
Figure 1: Laboratory
Figure 2: Chamber installation
Figure 3: Expected sensitivity
Selected publications:
Quantum-enhanced interferometry for axion searches
First results of the Laser-Interferometric Detector for Axions (LIDA)
Position sensors
Operation of GW detectors at low temperature offers potentially great benefits, as well as major challenges. The GW community is exploring the Voyager concept, which has silicon test masses operating at 123 K. We work on expanding of our existing programme in suspension sensing and actuation hardware into cryogenic operation.
Improvements in the LIGO low-frequency band call for new position sensors with a low self-noise. We explore an application of interferometric readout to the LIGO suspensions and seismometers. Compact interferometers have the potential to improve the self-noise of existing LIGO position sensors by two orders of magnitude.
Figures:
Figure 1: Interferometric sensors
Figure 2: Interferometric sensors (zoomed)
Figure 3: BOSEM sensors and actuators
Selected publications:
Compact Michelson interferometers with subpicometer sensitivity
Nonlinearities in Long-Range Compact Michelson Interferometers
EPSRC Quantum amplifiers
Quantum noise limits the sensitivity of modern precision measurements, such as observation of gravitational waves and dark matter searches. In order to advance precision measurements, we study quantum phase-insensitive amplifiers that have the potential to improve the performance of optical interferometers.
In our group, we build an active optical system that amplifies signal and noise asymmetrically and improves the signal-to-noise ratio compared to passive optical resonators. We embed a quantum filter with an active medium in the optical cavity to demonstrate the performance of the coupled cavity system with a particular gain.
The research project "Phase-insensitive amplifier for quantum measurements" is funded by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council as the New Horizons initiative.
Figures:
Figure 1: Lock of the filter cavity
Figure 2: Photo of the experiment
Figure 3: Quantum noise suppression
Selected publications:
Enhancing the sensitivity of interferometers with stable phase-insensitive quantum filters
Design of a tabletop interferometer with quantum amplification
STFC LIGO A+ upgrade
The enhanced capabilities afforded by A+ will be able to, among other science goals, illuminate the origins and evolution of stellar-mass black holes, allow precision tests of extreme gravity, enable detailed study of the equation of state of neutron stars, and permit new tests of cosmology, including fully independent constraints on the Hubble constant.
We build suspension sensors, actuators, phase cameras and electronics for the A+ detectors to help enhance their astrophysical reach to compact binary mergers by a factor of 1.8. The research project "The A+ upgrade:Expanding the Advanced LIGO Horizon" is funded by the UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Figures:
Figure 1: LIGO Livingston detector. Credit: LIGO
Figure 2: HoQI interferometric sensors
Figure 3: Phase cameras
Selected publications:
A compact, large-range interferometer for precision measurement and inertial sensing
Sensors and actuators for the Advanced LIGO mirror suspensions
Future detectors
The discoveries made by the LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave detectors have had a transformative impact and triggered a new era in astronomy. Taking full advantage of the GW window requires a new network of observatories that can survey the Universe on its largest scales and provide information of broad interest in astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear physics.
In our group, we work on the design of the future gravitational-wave detectors which can be hosted in the current or future facilities. In particular, we proposed an optical layout for observing signals from neutron star oscillations above 1 kHz. We also studied the low-frequency performance of the LIGO detectors and proposed a strategy to observe signals from intermediate-mass black holes below 30 Hz.
Figures:
Figure 1: LIGO vacuum equipment. Credit: LIGO MIT.
Figure 2: Cosmic Explorer. Credit: Cosmic Explorer.
Figure 3: Einstein Telescope. Credit: ASPERA.
Selected publications:
Exploring the sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors to neutron star physics
Prospects for Detecting Gravitational Waves at 5 Hz with Ground-Based Detectors
Towards the design of gravitational-wave detectors for probing neutron-star physics
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John Bryant Research assistant |
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Emilia Chick PhD student Inertial isolaiton |
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Aidan Christie Year 4 student Gravity gradiometry |
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Artemiy Dmitriev Research fellow Quantum amplifiers Dark matter |
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Alex Gill PhD student Dark matter |
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Joscha Heinze Research fellow Dark matter Coating noise |
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Peter Heraty Year 4 student Gravity gradiometry |
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Lari Koponen Research Engineer |
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Denis Martynov Professor of Physics Looks for his chair |
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Haixing Miao Group affiliate Tsinghua University |
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Xingrui Peng PhD student Future detectors Coating noise |
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Leonid Prokhorov Research fellow Seismic isolation Cold atoms |
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Jiri (George) Smetana Reseach fellow Quantum optomechanics Position sensors |
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Alberto Vecchio Prof, Head of Institute Dreams of Sicily |
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Amit Ubhi Reseach fellow Inertial isolation Casimir forces |
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Tianliang Yan Research fellow Quantum optomechanics |
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Teng Zhang Assistant professor Enjoys 3G phones |
MSc positions:
Every year we offer two experimental projects for Birmingham Master students.
PhD positions: Application deadline is on Jan 19, 2025!
Quantum interferometry for dark matter searches:
Axions, hypothesised particles and leading candidates for dark matter, offer an intriguing solution to outstanding mysteries in fundamental physics. This project will explore innovative detection strategies leveraging quantum-enhanced interferometry. You will work on developing and implementing novel techniques involving optical cavities, squeezed sources of light, and single-photon detectors to search for axion-induced signatures. Squeezed light, a quantum state with reduced noise in one quadrature, can surpass classical sensitivity limits, while high-finesse optical cavities will amplify subtle axion signals. Single-photon detectors, with their ability to detect weak light signals with high fidelity, will play a crucial role in achieving quantum-limited detection precision. The project is at the intersection of quantum optics, precision measurement, and particle physics. You will: (i) design and simulate quantum optical systems for axion detection, (ii) build and test experimental setups using state-of-the-art photonics and interferometric techniques, (iii) analyse data to identify potential axion signals and refine detection limits. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research group with expertise in quantum optics, dark matter searches, graivtaional wave detection, and collaborating with international teams. Applicants should have a strong background in physics, engineering, or a related discipline, with interest or experience in quantum technologies and fundamental physics.
Advanced inertial isolation for LIGO:
Join an ambitious project aimed at enhancing the low-frequency sensitivity of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). This project focuses on developing fused silica seismometers to improve LIGO's inertial isolation systems, enabling groundbreaking advances in gravitational-wave detection. LIGO's sensitivity at low frequencies is critical for detecting intermediate-mass black holes and improving early localization of neutron star mergers, facilitating multi-messenger astronomy. Current inertial isolation systems are limited by noise and sensitivity constraints at low frequencies. This project seeks to overcome these challenges by designing and implementing novel seismometers using fused silica, a material known for its exceptional thermal and mechanical stability. As part of this research, you will: (i) develop and prototype fused silica-based inertial sensors with unprecedented precision, (ii) integrate these sensors into LIGO-type isolation systems to enhance low-frequency performance, (iii) model and test the system's impact on the detection of astrophysical sources, contributing to next-generation gravitational-wave science. This PhD position is ideal for candidates with a strong background in physics, engineering, or a related discipline, and a passion for cutting-edge experimental research. Experience in precision measurement, materials science, or optical systems is advantageous but not required.
Send your questions about jobs to Denis Martynov and Alberto Vecchio
We are happy to share our expertise in precision measurements and electronics. In collaboration with the Birmingham Enterprise, we have already distrubuted our products to China and Europe. Below is the list of available products. For more information, contact Denis Martynov.
Sensors and actuators
In our recently-refurbished mechanical workshop with CEC machines, we manufacture, assemble, and test technologies for linear sensing, including cryogenically compatible shadow sensors with sum-nm resolution and linear range of 1 mm, coil-magnet actuators, and supporting electronics. The technology has been utilised in the LIGO detectors for 10 years.
Data acquisition electronics
We assemble and test electronics for the LIGO-type data acquisition system known as CDS. The software is available for free from the LIGO repositories. We distribute fully assembled and tested hardware, including anti-aliasing, anti-imaging filters, and interface boxes and wiring between these filters and analog-to-digital and ditital-to-analog converters.
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