For more information and to
view a list of past seminars, visit the HEPL/KiPAC
Experimental Seminars Page
2/11/09 4pm, Physics-Astrophysics Building 102-103
HEPL Seminar
Professor Seiji Kawamura
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Abstract: The DECi-hertz Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory (DECIGO) is the future Japanese space gravitational-wave antenna. The goal of DECIGO is to detect gravitational waves from various kinds of sources, such as the beginning of the universe, mainly between 0.1 Hz and 10 Hz, and thus to open a new window of observation for gravitational-wave astronomy. DECIGO will consist of three drag-free spacecraft, 1000 km apart from each other, whose relative displacements are measured by Fabry-Perot Michelson interferometers. We plan to launch DECIGO Pathfinder (DPF) first to demonstrate the technologies required to realize DECIGO. DPF was selected as one of the important mission candidates for the small-science satellite series run by JAXA/ISAS.
Bio: Seiji Kawamura is an associate professor at National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). He was involved in the LIGO project from its early days and worked on the 40m prototype interferometer at Caltech, suspension system, and advanced R&D for the LIGO project between 1989 and 1997. In 1997 he joined the TAMA project, the Japanese 300 meter interferometer for the detection of gravitational waves. As the leader of the detector group, he led TAMA to attain the world-best sensitivity at that time. In addition he initiated and has been in charge of the resonant sideband extraction experiment, quantum non-demolition experiment, super-high frequency gravitational wave detection, and displacement-noise-free interferometer. He also leads the Japanese space gravitational wave antenna DECIGO.
Location: Physics and Astrophysics Conference Room 102/103
Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Light refreshments available 4:15pm; Presentation begiins 4:15pm. Open to All