Science Quickly The LIGO Lab Is Pushing the Boundaries of Gravitational-Wave Research
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Jul 16, 2025 Matthew Evans, MIT's MathWorks professor of physics, dives into the fascinating world of gravitational-wave research from the LIGO Lab, where the groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves took place in 2015. He discusses the innovative technology behind laser interferometry that allows scientists to detect subtle cosmic events. Evans also highlights the upcoming Cosmic Explorer, a new detector set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration in advancing these scientific frontiers.
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Gravitational Waves Explained
- Gravitational waves are ripples in space-time that cause movement in objects like mirrors.
- LIGO detects these by measuring tiny shifts in mirror positions caused by passing waves.
How LIGO Detects Waves
- LIGO uses large interferometers with laser beams to detect mirror shifts.
- Changes in laser light interference reveal mirror movement induced by gravitational waves.
Mind-Blowing Sensitivity Levels
- LIGO can detect mirror movements a thousandth the size of a proton over four kilometers.
- Sensitivity is achieved by averaging position over many atoms in the mirrors.