The Extreme Instruments of Astrophysics - LIGO

Explore the cutting-edge world of gravitational wave detection in this 58-minute Hackaday Remoticon keynote presentation by Dr. Keith Thorne. Delve into the intricate workings of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the most precise measurement device ever created, capable of detecting motion 1/10,000 the diameter of a proton. Learn about the extreme engineering challenges involved in building and operating LIGO, including cooling mirrors to 77 nano-Kelvins and hacking the Linux kernel for real-time digital control. Discover how the LIGO team uses innovative techniques like "squeezed light" to overcome quantum mechanical limitations and improve detection sensitivity. Gain insights into astrophysical phenomena such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes, and understand how LIGO's measurements compare to traditional telescopes. Explore the fascinating intersection of physics, engineering, and computer science that makes gravitational wave detection possible, and get answers to questions about realtime computing, electronics shielding, and quantum squeezing in this comprehensive overview of one of science's most ambitious projects.

Introduction
Welcome
Presentation
Stars
White Dwarfs
Neutron Stars
Black Holes
General Relativity
Spacetime
Two Black Holes
Einsteins Equations
Ray Weiss
Interferometry 101
Layout
How Extreme is LIGO
Stellar Graveyard
The Binary Neutron Star
Gravitational Waves vs Telescopes
LIGO Measurements
LIGO Hacking
RealTime Computing
The Trick
Simple Software
Electronics
Fast Shutter
Vibration
Damping
CryoBaffle dampers
Acoustic Mode dampers
Squeeze Light
Quantum Noise
Squeezed Vacuum
Questions
Runaway amplification
Waveform
Realtime
Geology
Electronics shielding
Quantum squeezing
Laser