Physics Education Centre

At the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics, we have built a prototype table-top interferometric displacement sensor, that uses Gaussian beam higher-order spatial modes to expand its dynamic range. This prototype has successfully demonstrated the underlying principles of the technique, and now we want to advance it to the test-type phase of development.

This topic has two categories:

• An Engineering category to take the prototype layout and build a single mechanical test-unit. This will require mechanical designing that factors in stability, ease of use, as well as in-vacuum chamber compatibility in terms of materials and electrical/optical interfacing to the sensor.
• A Physics category that will further push the sensitivity limits of the sensor, via further down-selecting of optical components, and investigation into readout noise sources.

These can be approached as invidual projects (a subset within each category), or a longer Honours year project (encompassing either/both Engineering and/or Physics categories).

For an Engineering focussed project, some experience in mechanical design would be very valuable, but not essential.

For a Physics focussed project, some experience in optics (for e.g. via the second year Physics Lab course or other Research Topics) is essential.

This research project can be tailored to suit students of the following type(s)