The event of two merging neutron stars, GW170817, was observed in gravitational waves and across the electromagnetic spectrum, opening a new era of multi-messenger astronomy. We work on following up electromagnetic counterparts to future detections of gravitational waves and are ready to contribute to the new science of multi-messenger astronomy. 

Neutron stars are a unique laboratory for probing physics under the greatest extremes of density and gravity, far beyond what is capable in terrestrial laboratories.  This project aims to use gravitational wave discoveries and electromagnetic observations of neutron stars to examine fundamental physics.

In this project, we study the gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics science cases and observational prospects with future ground-based gravitational-wave observatories.

Using non-classical light states on laser interferometric gravitational-wave detectors, to further enhance the best length measurement devices in the world.

A topic with a short-term Engineering project and Physics project, to investigate using optical single side-band modulators for interferometric measurements.

Can we use small-package Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) or commercial laser diodes for high-performance interferometric displacement sensors?

Gravitational wave detectors have reached the thermodynamic limit of optical coatings. Further sensitivity improvements require new coating materials and noise mitigation techniques. This project models the behaviour of higher order spatial laser modes in optical resonators for measuring coating thermal noise directly.

High precision optical measurement requires the development and deployment of highly stable laser sources. The first step towards stabilising a laser is tracking and measuring it's phase noise. This project aims to develop new signal processing and optical methods to track and stabilise cheap noisy lasers for precision measurement.

This project aims to build a novel framework to study supermassive black holes via their unique gravitational wave signatures, providing a multi-messenger tool to constrain galaxy formation in the early universe.
This is a joint project between CGA/RSPhys and RSAA. Co-supervisor at RSAA: Dr Yuxiang Qin (yuxiang.qin@anu.edu.au)  

Develop an active vibraiton isolation platform to provide a quiet, small displacement environment for high precision inteferometry.

In 2017, the first discovery of gravitational waves from two colliding neutron stars heralded a new age of multi-messenger astronomy. But what was left over after the collision? This project aims to find out.