1,748 research outputs found
A General Approach to Optomechanical Parametric Instabilities
We present a simple feedback description of parametric instabilities which
can be applied to a variety of optical systems. Parametric instabilities are of
particular interest to the field of gravitational-wave interferometry where
high mechanical quality factors and a large amount of stored optical power have
the potential for instability. In our use of Advanced LIGO as an example
application, we find that parametric instabilities, if left unaddressed,
present a potential threat to the stability of high-power operation
Squeezed light for advanced gravitational wave detectors and beyond
Recent experiments have demonstrated that squeezed vacuum states can be injected into gravitational wave detectors to improve their sensitivity at detection frequencies where they are quantum noise limited. Squeezed states could be employed in the next generation of more sensitive advanced detectors currently under construction, such as Advanced LIGO, to further push the limits of the observable gravitational wave Universe. To maximize the benefit from squeezing, environmentally induced disturbances such as back scattering and angular jitter need to be mitigated. We discuss the limitations of current squeezed vacuum sources in relation to the requirements imposed by future gravitational wave detectors, and show a design for squeezed light injection which overcomes these limitations
A soft, synergy-based robotic glove for grasping assistance
This paper presents a soft, tendon-driven, robotic glove designed to augment grasp capability and provide rehabilitation assistance for postspinal cord injury patients. The basis of the design is an underactuation approach utilizing postural synergies of the hand to support a large variety of grasps with a single actuator. The glove is lightweight, easy to don, and generates sufficient hand closing force to assist with activities of daily living. Device efficiency was examined through a characterization of the power transmission elements, and output force production was observed to be linear in both cylindrical and pinch grasp configurations. We further show that, as a result of the synergy-inspired actuation strategy, the glove only slightly alters the distribution of forces across the fingers, compared to a natural, unassisted grasping pattern. Finally, a preliminary case study was conducted using a participant suffering from an incomplete spinal cord injury (C7). It was found that through the use of the glove, the participant was able to achieve a 50% performance improvement (from four to six blocks) in a standard Box and Block test
Frequency-Dependent Squeezing for Advanced LIGO
The first detection of gravitational waves by the Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015 launched the era of gravitational
wave astronomy. The quest for gravitational wave signals from objects that are
fainter or farther away impels technological advances to realize ever more
sensitive detectors. Since 2019, one advanced technique, the injection of
squeezed states of light is being used to improve the shot noise limit to the
sensitivity of the Advanced LIGO detectors, at frequencies above Hz.
Below this frequency, quantum back action, in the form of radiation pressure
induced motion of the mirrors, degrades the sensitivity. To simultaneously
reduce shot noise at high frequencies and quantum radiation pressure noise at
low frequencies requires a quantum noise filter cavity with low optical losses
to rotate the squeezed quadrature as a function of frequency. We report on the
observation of frequency-dependent squeezed quadrature rotation with rotation
frequency of 30Hz, using a 16m long filter cavity. A novel control scheme is
developed for this frequency-dependent squeezed vacuum source, and the results
presented here demonstrate that a low-loss filter cavity can achieve the
squeezed quadrature rotation necessary for the next planned upgrade to Advanced
LIGO, known as "A+."Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, to be published in Phys. Rev. Let
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