PHYSICS DISSERTATION DEFENSE: Edgard Bonilla
Photo by Linda Cicero
Ph.D. Candidate: Edgard Bonilla
Research Advisor: Robert Byer
Date: May 23rd, 2022
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: PAB 102/103
Zoom Link: https://stanford.zoom.us/j/98965218644
Zoom Password: email nickswan [at] stanford.edu (nickswan[at]stanford[dot]edu) for password
Title: "Progress on the practical integration of cryogenics to gravitational-wave detectors"
Abstract: The success of the LIGO and Virgo interferometers in detecting gravitational waves has launched a new era of gravitational-wave astronomy. Despite their achievements, there is still plenty of room for improving the technologies that have made gravitational-wave detection possible. One avenue for improvement comes in the form of using 124-kilogram silicon masses to reduce the thermally driven noise in the midband of the observatories. This idea, while promising, carries a lot of technical challenges that must be overcome before it can be put to practice. This work covers ainvestigations on a few of the practical aspects of integrating cryogenics to gravitational-wave interferometers, including estimation of technical noises introduced by cryogenic equipment, selection of a proper cryogen and adequate procedure for faster cooldown and iteration times for research and development of the cryocooled interferometer technology.