Abstract
Around the globe several observatories are seeking the first direct
detection of gravitational waves (GWs). These waves are predicted by
Einstein's general theory of relativity and are generated, for example,
by black-hole binary systems. Present GW detectors are Michelson-type
kilometre-scale laser interferometers measuring the distance changes
between mirrors suspended in vacuum. The sensitivity of these detectors
at frequencies above several hundred hertz is limited by the vacuum
(zero-point) fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. A quantum
technology--the injection of squeezed light--offers a solution to this
problem. Here we demonstrate the squeezed-light enhancement of GEO600,
which will be the GW observatory operated by the LIGO Scientific
Collaboration in its search for GWs for the next 3-4 years. GEO600 now
operates with its best ever sensitivity, which proves the usefulness of
quantum entanglement and the qualification of squeezed light as a key
technology for future GW astronomy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 962-965 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Nature Physics |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 11 Sept 2011 |