On February 11th 2016, the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) team announced that on September 14, 2015 at 5:51 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (09:51 UTC) they detected gravitational waves from two black holes merging approximately 1.3 billion light years from Earth by both twin Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors, and named the event signal GW150914 (Gravitational Wave 2015-09-14).
As the first observation of a binary black hole merger, the detection of GW150914 confirms the existence of binary stellar-mass black hole systems, and the occurrence of such collisions within the current span of the universe (approximately 13.8 billion years). According to David H. Reitze, executive director of the LIGO Laboratory, the detection of gravitational waves “accomplishes an ambitious goal set out over 5 decades ago to directly detect this elusive phenomenon and better understand the universe, and, fittingly, fulfills Einstein’s legacy on the 100th anniversary of his general theory of relativity.”
Above- Basic Michelson Interferometer with Fabry Perot cavities and Power Recycling mirror. Source: LIGO’s Interferometer | LIGO Lab | Caltech
Technology for Hearing Spacetime Music
This monumental discovery was made possible by the innovative technological capabilities of LIGO’s Interferometer, the world’s largest and most sensitive device measuring the miniscule disturbances that the waves make to space and time as they pass through the earth.
Building on the technology of the Michelson Interferometer device first invented in the 1880’s, the LIGO Interferometer features 4km long arms, 360 times longer than the original device, with the integration of “Fabry Perot Cavities” for increased sensitivity as well as an enhanced laser power for increased resolution. The increased arm length of the device allows the lasers to travel further, thereby, increasing instrumental sensitivity to vibrations. The “Fabry Perot Cavities” span the length of the arms with additional mirrors on each arm end and the beam splitter perfectly aligned to reflect laser beams back and forth 280 times prior to merging with the beam on the other arm. This enables the interferometer to store light for longer durations, and increase the travel distance of lasers to 1120km (144,000 times larger than the original Michelson interferometer). Increased resolution is achieved by a “power recycling” one-way mirror which allows light to pass through, split along the arms and reflect back into the interferometer, thereby, boosting laser power from 200W to 750kW.
Event horizon of Gravitational Wave Astronomy Research
The detection of gravitational waves, in addition to the recent discovery of the Higgs Boson confirmed on March 14th 2013, brings forth a new era of astrophysics, gravitational wave astronomy, and aerospace technology. This, in turn, inspires policy reform and funding opportunities for research and development as countries race to the forefront of discovering space and, perhaps, even the origins of our existence.
The Canadian aerospace manufacturing industry includes civil and defense activities, space systems manufacturing, satellite operations as well as value-added applications, altogether contributing over $29B to the Canadian GDP in 2014.
In order to continually stimulate commercialization of Canadian space companies and secure a significant share of the New Space Economy, the Canadian government provides support to the industrial space technology private sector through direct government investment as well as through the federal Scientific Research & Experimental Development program (SR&ED),
The SR&ED program is a pivotal incentive for Canadian aerospace companies to continue investing in R&D; however, multiple direct government investments are also available including the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) as well as the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology and the Space Technology Development Program (STDP). These programs provide financing for breakthrough technologies and help to enhance industry competitiveness and capabilities.
As we continue to make giant strides in scientific discoveries, technological advancements and ultimately, understand our place in the universe, we must remember to remain guided by the basic principles that define our humanity to “learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning” – Albert Einstein