PhD projects

Here you find an incomplete list of possible PhD topics in the following scientific areas:

• Classical ground-based interferometry
• Interferometry in space
• Next-generation gravitational wave detectors
• Data analysis
• Gravitational wave sources
• Theoretical astrophysics

Classical ground-based interferometry

• Length actuators for ultra-stable cavities
• New adaptive schemes for spatial mode control in gravitational wave detector lasers
• Advanced fiber master laser power amplifier concepts for quantum noise limited light
• Stabilization of the Advanced LIGO high power laser
• Noise characterization and stabilization of fiber lasers and amplifiers
• Power stabilization of high power lasers using non destructive sensing techniques
• Development of a light source for gravitational wave detectors at 1.5 µm wavelength

Interferometry in Space

• Modulation techniques for data communication between spacecraft
• Algorithms for clock synchronisation and ranging for the realization of a "constellation time" with ns accuracy
• Development of a 6 degree-of-freedom optical readout system for the test mass position and orientation
• Precision phase measurement in the presence of large Doppler shifts
• Laser frequency stabilization using 5 million km arms as reference
• Development of a 100 W class laser system for spacecraft

Next-generation gravitational wave detectors

• Prototyping grating coupled cavities for gravitational wave detectors
• Experimental table-top demonstrations of all-reflective interferometer topologies based on micro- and nano-structured optics
• Development of a suspended prototype interferometer to test hiqh-power all-reflective gravitational wave detector topologies
• Dynamic effects in suspended-mass high-power interferometers caused by thermal loading and radiation pressure
• Noise propagation simulations in interferometers with recycling techniques
• Sensitivity improvement of GEO600 using squeezed light
• Coating thermal noise measurements
• Low noise digital control loops for gravitational wave detectors
• Dynamic effects in rapidly chirp-tuned signal recycled interferometers
• Experimental and theoretical investigations of the optical spring effect in signal recycled interferometers
• Nonclassical light and interferometer techniques
• Experimental demonstration of strongly squeezed modes at acoustic frequencies
• From classical to nonclassical interferometry: Table-top experiments towards third-generation gravitational wave detectors
• Experimental investigations on the opto-mechanical dynamics of small-scale interferometers
• Electro-optical stabilization and control of squeezed vacuum modes for gravitational wave interferometers
• Upgrading the GEO600 detector into the nonclassical regime: squeezed mode injection
• Technical noises in prototype and large-scale QND interferometers
• Comparison of optical topologies for third-generation gravitational wave interferometers
• Quantum control of gravitational wave interferometers

Data analysis

• All-sky surveys for spinning neutron stars
• Network data analysis for gravitational waves
• Resolution of confusion-limited sources of gravitational waves

Gravitational wave sources

• Numerical investigations of black hole collisions
• Neutron star normal mode emissions

Theoretical astrophysics

• General analytical study of processes in a global Astrophysical scenario related to gravitational waves emission
• Theory of Relaxation and related mechanisms
• Effect of the stellar distribution on the evolution of supermasive black hole binaries
• Secular instabilities
• Influence of stellar cluster rotation
• Numerical modelling using approximate methods like Fokker-Planck or particle-based techniques, such as direct N-body integrations or Monte-Carlo
• Hybrid methods: Hamiltonian theory with relativistic corrections