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Advanced LIGO |
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STFC has played a major role in the Advanced LIGO (Laser Interferometric Gravitational wave Observatory) which is being assembled in the USA. There are incredibly sensitive interferometers at two sites across America in Louisiana and in Washington state. Each interferometer has giant 3km 'arms' at a right angle.
Manufacture: We manufactured and built the successful Noise Prototype and are providing 25 multiple-pendulum suspension systems. We are now procuring parts for the final deliverable systems. |
Development: STFC developed the suspension concept from a physics
model and previous prototypes built in the US. We optimised the structure
to achieve a high enough stiffness and developed the mass designs to make
the whole system easy to assemble and cost effective to manufacture.