Development of laser interferometer gravitational-wave detectors for LIGO

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Abstract
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), currently under construction, will observe cosmic-gravitational waves as small apparent displacements induced between suspended test masses. Laser interferometers with arm lengths of 4 kilometers, that are capable of resolving 10-18 meter changes in armlength, are being developed for the observatory. A test-bed interferometer with 40 meter long arms has been constructed and is being used to develop detection techniques. Sensitivity to displacements of order 10-17 meter and strains of order 10-19 have already been demonstrated with this interferometer. This talk will discuss the technical challenges involved in this effort and review progress toward observatory and detector development.

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