The quantum limit for gravitational-wave detectors and methods of circumventing itThe Heisenberg uncertainty principle prevents the monitoring of the complex amplitude of a mechanical oscillator more accurately than a certain limit value. This 'quantum limit' is a serious obstacle to the achievement of a 10 to the -21st gravitational-wave detection sensitivity. This paper examines the principles of the back-action evasion technique and finds that this technique may be able to overcome the problem of the quantum limit. Back-action evasion does not solve, however, other problems of detection, such as weak coupling, large amplifier noise, and large Nyquist noise.
Document ID
19800043684
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Thorne, K. S. (California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Caves, C. M. (California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Sandberg, V. D. (California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Zimmermann, M. (California Institute of Technology Pasadena, Calif., United States)
Drever, R. W. P. (Glasgow, University Glasgow, United Kingdom)