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1. First coincidence experiments between cryogenic resonant-mass gravitational-wave detectors. 2. Development of a thin-film superconducting transducer for a gravitational-wave antenna

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5231968

This dissertation is concerned with two aspects of detecting gravitational radiation from astrophysical sources. First, the data collection and analysis for a coincidence experiment conducted in 1986 using gravitational wave detectors operated by Stanford University, the university of Rome, and Louisiana State University are described. This experiment was important for several reasons: (1) it was the first coincidence experiment between cryogenic resonant-mass detectors; (2) it improved the observational upper limit on the flux of impulsive gravitational waves that impinge upon the earth; and (3) it lead to the development of a data analysis method for converting the experimental results into an astrophysically meaningful limit on the flux of gravitational radiation from impulsive events. Second, the development of a superconducting thin-film motion transducer intended for use on an ultra-low temperature detector now under construction is described. The sensitivity goal is h = 1 {times} 10{sup {minus}20}. To reach this goal the physical temperature of the detector will be lowered to 40 mK, a lower-noise SQUID amplifier will be used, and a new motion transducer will be developed.

Research Organization:
Stanford Univ., CA (United States)
OSTI ID:
5231968
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English