• 14:45-15:10
  • Big Science Technology case

Gravitational wave detector: an oversize strain gauge of sensitivity 10-23 m/m

  • Eric Hennes MSc Physics
  • Nikhef (National Institute for Subatomic Physics)

Since the first detection in 2015 about 25 gravitational wave (GW) events have been recorded by the global detector network. These discoveries trigger the development of new generation of large scale terrestrial GW antennas, aiming to improve the sensitivity another order of magnitude. This presentation shows how such small strains are measured and what technical challenges are faced to be able to directly “hear” the heart beat of the big bang in 2035.