ENGN1211 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Optical Amplifier, Signal Generator, Data Logger
Guest lecture reflection 1
The lecture was presented by Professor Daniel Shaddock, who runs a research
group a part of the first detection of gravitational waves. The team created new
test and measurement algorithms that were used in the LIGO (laser
Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory). In 2014, he decided to use
these algorithms elsewhere and so founded the start up company Liquid
Instruments. They commercialised these algorithms and the hardware that
enables them, creating a single device currently used by a great variety of
groups. Over the lecture he explained how the gravitational waves are detected
as well as the problems that came up and how they have been solved in the
current instruments used. He also explained the different missions that were
carried out using the principle of gravitational wave measurement. These
include the LIGO, LISA and GRACE missions. The final topic covered was the
creation of the Moku lab by his company, liquid instruments.
KEY POINTS:
Einstein predicted gravitational waves in 1916 but it took 100 years to detect
because a 10^-18m change in distance needed to be measured.
The problem of outside noise also had to be overcome before gravitational waves
could be measured.
The measurement of this very slight distance was achieved by the LIGO (laser
interferometer gravitational wave observatory). It works by having two lasers
directed out from the crux of an L shape and reflected back by mirrors.
The same principle used in the LIGO was used in space in the LISA mission.
The arm length of the laser beams could be much longer so the instrument
required much less sensitivity.
The GRACE also used the principle of the laser beam in a hyperology mission.
The moku lab was created from the algorithms used in the LIGO and is now used
widely for commercial purpose.
The creation of the Moku lab is very relevant to my studies, both current and
future. This instrument uses the algorithms created for the LIGO to combine a
range of instruments so that there is one piece of hardware and an easily
accessible iPad based display. It is a test and measurement device with
reconfigurable DSP hardware, offering mobility and innovative access for users.
The device has been used by NASA and the defense force but relates to my
studies through its potential use in undergraduate engineering and physics lab
experiences, potentially replacing other previously used instruments. This key
idea from the lecture relates to my interest in research as it can make
experiments more efficient by its ease of use and its ability to carry out many
roles such as a: datalogger, phasemeter and waveform generator. The detail
provided as to the creation of the algorithms (for the LIGO project in USA)
encouraged me to think about pursuing research overseas. It also altered my
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Document Summary
The lecture was presented by professor daniel shaddock, who runs a research group a part of the first detection of gravitational waves. The team created new test and measurement algorithms that were used in the ligo (laser. In 2014, he decided to use these algorithms elsewhere and so founded the start up company liquid. They commercialised these algorithms and the hardware that enables them, creating a single device currently used by a great variety of groups. Over the lecture he explained how the gravitational waves are detected as well as the problems that came up and how they have been solved in the current instruments used. He also explained the different missions that were carried out using the principle of gravitational wave measurement. These include the ligo, lisa and grace missions. The final topic covered was the creation of the moku lab by his company, liquid instruments.
