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Australian scientists reveal a lost 8 billion light years of universe evolution

Researchers have developed a method to detect the presence of weak gravitational wave events, revealing a lost 8 billion light years of universe evolution. This breakthrough will allow scientists to observe farther away in space-time and gain insights into the early universe's structure.

SourceThe Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 18, 2020

Like thunder without lightning

Researchers discovered black hole-neutron star mergers in globular star clusters can be detected using computer simulations. The study offers critical insights into the fusion of massive stellar objects, with potential implications for gravitational wave detection.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMay 15, 2020

Looking for dark matter

Physicists Rees McNally and Tanya Zelevinsky have proposed two novel methods of searching for dark matter by measuring tiny perturbations in fundamental constants. These methods involve using gravity sensors and LIGO gravitational wave detectors to detect a small extra 'push' or acceleration on normal matter caused by dark matter clumps.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 9, 2020

New instrument extends LIGO's reach

The new instrument has helped scientists pick out dozens of gravitational wave signals, including one from a binary neutron star merger. This extended range has enabled LIGO to detect gravitational waves on an almost weekly basis, with the detectors now reaching distances of over 400 million light years.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 5, 2019

Evading Heisenberg isn't easy

Researchers at EPFL have found unexpected constraints on the achievable sensitivity of measurements, even with backaction-evading techniques. Tiny deviations in optical and mechanical frequencies can cause mechanical oscillations to amplify out of control, affecting quantum sensors and applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 31, 2019

Exploring mysteries of the universe

A team led by Prof Swati Singh is exploring the use of quantum systems to study astrophysical phenomena. They are developing smaller detectors that can be used to detect weak forces exerted by dark matter and gravitational waves, which could provide new insights into these mysteries.

Best of both worlds: Asteroids and massive mergers

University of Arizona researchers are using the Catalina Sky Survey's near-Earth object telescopes to find optical counterparts to gravitational waves triggered by massive mergers. The team found several supernovae and a near-Earth object during their ongoing campaign, which began in April.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 15, 2019

Found: Fastest eclipsing binary, a valuable target for gravitational wave studies

The discovery of ZTF J1539+5027 is the fastest known eclipsing white dwarf binary, with an orbit period of only 6.91 minutes, making it a valuable target for gravitational wave studies. The system is expected to be one of the strongest sources of gravitational waves detectable by LISA, the future space-based gravitational wave detector.

Listening to the quantum vacuum

Physicists have created a device that can detect and measure quantum radiation pressure noise, a significant source of uncertainty in gravitational wave detectors. The breakthrough aims to improve the sensitivity of next-generation detectors, potentially leading to more accurate detections.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature·DateMar 25, 2019

Gravitational waves will settle cosmic conundrum

Measurements of gravitational waves from binary neutron stars will definitively resolve the debate on the universe's expansion rate. By observing 50 binary neutron stars over the next decade, scientists can calculate the Hubble constant accurately, resolving the conflict between conflicting measurements.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2019

Environmentally stable laser emits exceptionally pure light

Researchers developed a compact, environmentally stable laser with an ultra-narrow linewidth of 20 hertz, suitable for improving GPS accuracy and detecting gravitational waves. The laser's stability is maintained through self-referencing temperature sensing, allowing precise correction signals to be applied.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 31, 2019

Mini-detectors for the gigantic?

Researchers from HZDR found that Bose-Einstein condensates, which can be thought of as heavily diluted vapor from individual atoms cooled to extreme temperatures, are not sensitive enough to detect gravitational waves. The team discovered that the power of these gravitational waves is too weak to be measured using current methods.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review D·DateDec 12, 2018

Physics: Not everything is where it seems to be

Physicists at University of Innsbruck and TU Wien demonstrate that elliptical polarization causes a spiral shape in light wavefronts, leading to a distorted image of actual structures. This systematic error can affect biomedical research, super-resolution microscopy, and even astronomical object position estimation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 15, 2018

Black holes from an exacomputer

Scientists from Goethe University Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies have developed a novel simulation code, ExaHyPE, to calculate gravitational waves on exascale supercomputers. This breakthrough allows for more accurate simulations of black hole mergers and other astrophysical phenomena.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMay 28, 2018

The background hum of space could reveal hidden black holes

Researchers have developed a way to detect gravitational waves from faint black hole mergers, allowing them to study populations of black holes at vast distances. The new method is estimated to be one thousand times more sensitive than previous techniques, and will enable the detection of thousands of previously hidden black holes.

SourceMonash University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 12, 2018

Science's 2017 Breakthrough of the Year: The observation of two neutron stars merging

The observation of two neutron stars merging generated tiny ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves, detected by LIGO detectors on Earth. This event also triggered an explosion studied by hundreds of astronomers worldwide, marking a major breakthrough in astrophysics and offering new tools for observing the universe.