[Seminar] Synergy between gravitational wave detectors and macroscopic optomechanics

Dr Kentaro Komori, Assistant Professor, The University of Tokyo

Abstract:

Gravitational wave detectors are among the most sensitive instruments ever developed for measuring tiny displacements of mechanical systems.

Their exceptional sensitivity arises from the sophisticated integration of interferometers, optical cavities, and low-noise suspended mirrors.

The fundamental limit of their sensitivity is set by quantum fluctuations in the amplitude and phase quadratures of laser light.

Our group is exploring how the quantum measurement techniques pioneered in gravitational wave detection can be applied to table-top experiments, with a particular focus on the milligram mass scale.

In this talk, I will introduce the core concepts of precision measurement developed in the gravitational wave community, describe the motivation and current progress of our optomechanical experiments using a milligram-scale torsion pendulum, and briefly highlight related research being conducted in our group.

Biography:

2019.3 PhD in the Department Physics, the University of Tokyo

2019.4 - 2020.8 Postdoc in LIGO MIT as a JSPS Overseas Research Fellowships

2020.9 - 2022.5 JAXA Aerospace Project Research Associate in JAXA/ISAS

2022.6 - Assistant professor in Ando group