Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Gravitational-Wave Science With The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, Madeline Wade

Theses and Dissertations

Gravitational-waves, as predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity, are oscillations of spacetime caused by the motion of masses. Although not yet directly detected, there is strong evidence for the existence of gravitational-waves. Detectable gravitational waves will come from dramatic astrophysical events, such as supernova explosions and collisions of black holes. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) is a network of detectors designed to make the first direct detection of gravitational waves. The upgraded version of LIGO, Advanced LIGO (aLIGO), will offer a dramatic improvement in sensitivity that will virtually guarantee detections.

Gravitational-wave detections will not only illuminate mysterious astrophysical …