Applied Metrology
The Applied Metrology Laboratory translates precision optical techniques developed for gravitational wave detection into a broad range of sensing, ranging, and frequency measurement applications.
The Applied Metrology Laboratory at the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics develops precision optical measurement systems that translate the core technologies of gravitational wave detection into broader scientific and commercial applications. Our research is unified by Digital Interferometry: a code-division multiplexing and ranging technique that simplifies optical hardware while enabling measurement across a wide range of scales, from nanometre-level phase sensing to kilometre-scale distributed detection.
Our current research activities span three interconnected areas:
Absolute ranging and vibrometry. The ChronoPhase system applies Digital Interferometry to simultaneous absolute distance measurement and precision vibrometry, enabling sub-wavelength displacement sensing alongside absolute range. This system is aimed at developing a low-power, space qualifiable subsystem for intersatellite positioning and formation flying. The project is in collaboration with Platypus R&D, and University of Tokyo’s SEIRIOS mission.
Distributed and multiplexed sensing and control. We develop code-division multiplexed fibre sensing architectures that allow large numbers of sensors to share a single optical infrastructure, with applications in distributed acoustic sensing, optical phase arrays and distributed frequency control. These techniques aim to develop measurement and control solutions which are scalable and synthesize performance beyond that of a single measurement.
Laser frequency stabilisation and frequency comb metrology. We develop compact laser stabilisation techniques using dual- or multi-wavelength interferometric approaches and fibre-based frequency references. Combined with our multiplexing platform this enables scalable, agile frequency measurement and control of multiple lasers. The laboratory additionally operates a GPS-stabilised optical frequency comb to carry out precision absolute frequency measurement and optical frequency transfer. This work is carried out in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology.