Andrei Utina, PhD at Nikhef, will defend his thesis Tuesday 19 November 2024 at 13.00 at the Maastricht University.
Instrumentation and characterization techniques for advanced gravitational-wave observatories (pdf)
This thesis covers several key areas of detecting gravitational waves – ripples in the fabric of space and time first predicted by Einstein in his general theory of relativity.
The thesis explores how to control mirrors in gravitational-wave detectors (like LIGO and Virgo), which need extremely precise positioning to work properly. It also looks
at a new testing facility called ETpathfinder built in Maastricht, which helps develop next-generation detection technology.
A major focus is on the Einstein Telescope, a future detector that will operate at extremely cold temperatures (below minus 250°C). The research examines how to cool the equipment without creating unwanted vibrations that could interfere with measurements.
Finally, the thesis explores using artificial intelligence and computer vision to help align the detector’s mirrors automatically – a task usually done manually by experts. This
could make the process much faster and more efficient.
The PhD defense will take place in the administrative office of the Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht.
More information and a link to the livestream on the website of the Maastricht University.
Supervisor: prof. dr. Stefan Hild
Co-supervisor: dr. Sebastian Steinlechner
contact: Andrei Utina