Advanced interferometry, quantum optics and optomechanics in gravitational wave detectors

Abstract

Currently operating laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors are limited by quantum noise above a few hundred Hertz. Detectors that will come on line in the next decade are predicted to be limited by quantum noise over their entire useful frequency band (from 10 Hz to 10 kHz). Further sensitivity improvements will, therefore, rely on using quantum optical techniques such as squeezed state injection and quantum non-demolition, which will, in turn, drive these massive mechanical systems into quantum states. This article reviews the principles behind these optical and quantum optical techniques and progress toward there realization.