Investigations in Gravitational Radiation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of the West of Scotland
Department Name: School of Engineering
Abstract
Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (GR) predicts that dynamical systems in strong gravitational fields will release vast amounts of energy in the form of gravitational radiation. Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime and travel from their sources at the speed of light, carrying information about physical processes responsible for their emission, obtainable in no other way. They are among the most elusive signals from the deepest reaches in the Universe. Experiments aimed at detecting them have been in development for several decades, and are now reaching sensitivity levels where detection is expected within a few years.
The worldwide network of interferometric detectors includes the German-UK GEO600, the French-Italian Virgo, the American Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and is being enhanced with a new detector under construction - KAGRA in Japan. The former detectors have all reached sensitivities close to their design goals and have taken the most sensitive data to date. Cooperation amongst different projects enables continuous data acquisition, with sensitivity to a wide range of sources and phenomena, over most of the sky.
Data from GEO, LIGO and Virgo, have already increased our understanding of astronomical phenomena. Search for gravitational waves at the times of 154 gamma-ray bursts has allowed the best ever exclusion distances and provided evidence for extra-Galactic sources of soft-gamma repeaters. The distance reach for binary black holes in the most recent runs is 300 Mpc and the rate upper limits are now very close to that expected in some of the astrophysical models. The search for gravitational waves from the Vela pulsar has set an upper bound on the strength of radiation that is significantly below that expected from the observed spin down rate of the pulsar, corresponding to a limit on the star's ellipticity of a part in a thousand.
While recent and current observations may produce detections, there can be no guarantees. However, there is great confidence that the advanced detectors currently in construction will routinely observe gravitational waves. The advanced LIGO detectors are based on the quasi-monolithic silica suspension concept developed in the UK for GEO 600 and on the high power lasers developed by our German colleagues in GEO 600. The Advanced Virgo detector also uses a variant of the silica suspension technology. The Cardiff and Glasgow groups have initiated and led searches for astronomical sources, thanks to the algorithmic and analysis effort that has been supported since the first data taking runs began eight years ago.
We propose a programme that leads to full exploitation of data from Advanced LIGO (aLIGO), building on both continuing operation of GEO600 and analysis of data taken in the most recent LIGO/Virgo science runs. In particular we will model binary black hole mergers and carry out
deep searches for
* coalescing binary neutron stars, neutron star-black hole binaries, and black hole binaries
* bursts of gravitational waves that may originate from supernovae,
* continuous signals from pulsars and other rotating neutron stars,
* gravitational waves detected by cross-correlation methods, including a cosmological background.
In parallel, we propose detector research and development. Detector sensitivity is mainly limited by thermal noise associated with the substrates of the mirrors, their reflective coatings, and their suspension elements, as well as by noise resulting from the quantum nature of the light used in sensing. Our research is targeted towards making innovative improvements in these areas. We have major responsibilities for the silica suspensions in aLIGO, and in the development of enhancements and upgrades to the aLIGO detectors, in the areas of mirror coatings for low thermal noise, silicon substrates, cryogenic suspensions and improved interferometer topologies to combat quantum noise.
The worldwide network of interferometric detectors includes the German-UK GEO600, the French-Italian Virgo, the American Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and is being enhanced with a new detector under construction - KAGRA in Japan. The former detectors have all reached sensitivities close to their design goals and have taken the most sensitive data to date. Cooperation amongst different projects enables continuous data acquisition, with sensitivity to a wide range of sources and phenomena, over most of the sky.
Data from GEO, LIGO and Virgo, have already increased our understanding of astronomical phenomena. Search for gravitational waves at the times of 154 gamma-ray bursts has allowed the best ever exclusion distances and provided evidence for extra-Galactic sources of soft-gamma repeaters. The distance reach for binary black holes in the most recent runs is 300 Mpc and the rate upper limits are now very close to that expected in some of the astrophysical models. The search for gravitational waves from the Vela pulsar has set an upper bound on the strength of radiation that is significantly below that expected from the observed spin down rate of the pulsar, corresponding to a limit on the star's ellipticity of a part in a thousand.
While recent and current observations may produce detections, there can be no guarantees. However, there is great confidence that the advanced detectors currently in construction will routinely observe gravitational waves. The advanced LIGO detectors are based on the quasi-monolithic silica suspension concept developed in the UK for GEO 600 and on the high power lasers developed by our German colleagues in GEO 600. The Advanced Virgo detector also uses a variant of the silica suspension technology. The Cardiff and Glasgow groups have initiated and led searches for astronomical sources, thanks to the algorithmic and analysis effort that has been supported since the first data taking runs began eight years ago.
We propose a programme that leads to full exploitation of data from Advanced LIGO (aLIGO), building on both continuing operation of GEO600 and analysis of data taken in the most recent LIGO/Virgo science runs. In particular we will model binary black hole mergers and carry out
deep searches for
* coalescing binary neutron stars, neutron star-black hole binaries, and black hole binaries
* bursts of gravitational waves that may originate from supernovae,
* continuous signals from pulsars and other rotating neutron stars,
* gravitational waves detected by cross-correlation methods, including a cosmological background.
In parallel, we propose detector research and development. Detector sensitivity is mainly limited by thermal noise associated with the substrates of the mirrors, their reflective coatings, and their suspension elements, as well as by noise resulting from the quantum nature of the light used in sensing. Our research is targeted towards making innovative improvements in these areas. We have major responsibilities for the silica suspensions in aLIGO, and in the development of enhancements and upgrades to the aLIGO detectors, in the areas of mirror coatings for low thermal noise, silicon substrates, cryogenic suspensions and improved interferometer topologies to combat quantum noise.
Planned Impact
There are numerous beneficiaries from our proposed research in gravitational waves, including industry, other academic disciplines, schools, science centres, museums and the general public. Materials, techniques and computational software created during the design and manufacture of gravitational wave detectors and the analysis of their data, have found numerous uses and applications in industry and other fields of academic research. E.g. the Triana software package that we developed has been used on many industrial and interdisciplinary collaborative projects to date, including: BDWorld (UK); GridLab, CoreGRID and Provenance (EU); GriPhyN and Pegasus (USA). Further, our studies of mirror coating thermal noise have played a key role in the Stanford-Scotland Photonics Innovation Collaboration, designed to capitalise on leading research in the photonics sector.
Our novel oxide bonding technology is the subject of contract research studies with optics companies in the UK and Germany, and a KTP is funded in the UK to transfer the technology in detail to a UK company specialising in the construction of optical components. We are also implementing our planned extensive knowledge exchange activities ranging from optics and engineering to a study of cell behaviour and response to nano-mechanical stimulation, an area of importance for wound healing. The technology for the thin, strong fused silica fibres supporting the 40kg aLIGO mirrors masses has led to partnerships with industry on novel all-silica gravimeters for the oil industry. To achieve our goals we are working closely with local Research & Enterprise and Business Development staff at Glasgow University, and the broader SUPA KT team, in establishing and maintaining collaborations with current and possible future beneficiaries and in the setting up and management of non-disclosure agreements and applications for patents. Thus we will ensure that future knowledge exchange opportunities are identified early and exploited fully.
Outreach to schools, science centres, museums and the general public is very strong in the field of Gravitational Wave research, driven by interest in viewing the Universe through the medium of gravity - probing black holes, the warping of space-time and the big bang itself. We have successfully engaged the wider community through numerous efforts. For example we presented the exhibit "Can you hear Black Holes" at the 2008 Royal Society Summer exhibition with related exhibits still on show in the Science Museum in London, following which we undertook a key role in the design and construction of the NSF-funded US exhibit "Astronomy's New Messengers" which featured at the World Science Festivals in 2009 and 2010 and then as a touring exhibit. With funding from STFC we developed "Gravity Beyond the Apple", an interactive secondary school science show delivered in conjunction with the award-winning "Science Made Simple" public outreach company based in Cardiff University. We also made a key contribution to the "100 Hours of Astronomy" IYA2009 cornerstone project, which featured live webcasts from all the ground-based gravitational wave observatories, and more recently have been very active in Star-Gazing Live.
In the future we will maintain and extend our programme of public engagement, through our existing network of relationships with key outreach stakeholders, which includes: science centres and museums, national education authorities, the amateur astronomical community, the media and professional science communicators - particularly Wendy Sadler, director of "Science Made Simple" and the science team at the Glasgow Science Centre. Among our specific plans we will deliver across the UK numerous interactive lectures to schools, astronomical societies and the general public, in the areas of gravitational wave detection, cosmology and multi-messenger astronomy, drawing upon the suite of themed lectures which we have already developed.
Our novel oxide bonding technology is the subject of contract research studies with optics companies in the UK and Germany, and a KTP is funded in the UK to transfer the technology in detail to a UK company specialising in the construction of optical components. We are also implementing our planned extensive knowledge exchange activities ranging from optics and engineering to a study of cell behaviour and response to nano-mechanical stimulation, an area of importance for wound healing. The technology for the thin, strong fused silica fibres supporting the 40kg aLIGO mirrors masses has led to partnerships with industry on novel all-silica gravimeters for the oil industry. To achieve our goals we are working closely with local Research & Enterprise and Business Development staff at Glasgow University, and the broader SUPA KT team, in establishing and maintaining collaborations with current and possible future beneficiaries and in the setting up and management of non-disclosure agreements and applications for patents. Thus we will ensure that future knowledge exchange opportunities are identified early and exploited fully.
Outreach to schools, science centres, museums and the general public is very strong in the field of Gravitational Wave research, driven by interest in viewing the Universe through the medium of gravity - probing black holes, the warping of space-time and the big bang itself. We have successfully engaged the wider community through numerous efforts. For example we presented the exhibit "Can you hear Black Holes" at the 2008 Royal Society Summer exhibition with related exhibits still on show in the Science Museum in London, following which we undertook a key role in the design and construction of the NSF-funded US exhibit "Astronomy's New Messengers" which featured at the World Science Festivals in 2009 and 2010 and then as a touring exhibit. With funding from STFC we developed "Gravity Beyond the Apple", an interactive secondary school science show delivered in conjunction with the award-winning "Science Made Simple" public outreach company based in Cardiff University. We also made a key contribution to the "100 Hours of Astronomy" IYA2009 cornerstone project, which featured live webcasts from all the ground-based gravitational wave observatories, and more recently have been very active in Star-Gazing Live.
In the future we will maintain and extend our programme of public engagement, through our existing network of relationships with key outreach stakeholders, which includes: science centres and museums, national education authorities, the amateur astronomical community, the media and professional science communicators - particularly Wendy Sadler, director of "Science Made Simple" and the science team at the Glasgow Science Centre. Among our specific plans we will deliver across the UK numerous interactive lectures to schools, astronomical societies and the general public, in the areas of gravitational wave detection, cosmology and multi-messenger astronomy, drawing upon the suite of themed lectures which we have already developed.
Organisations
- University of the West of Scotland (Lead Research Organisation)
- Max Planck Society (Collaboration)
- Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) (Collaboration)
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU) (Collaboration)
- University of Sannio (Collaboration)
- Sapienza University of Rome (Collaboration)
- Stanford University (Collaboration)
- University of the West of Scotland (Collaboration)
- Virgo Ego Scientific Forum (Collaboration)
- Tokyo University of Science (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Stuart Reid (Principal Investigator) | |
Frank Placido (Co-Investigator) |
Publications
Aasi J
(2015)
Characterization of the LIGO detectors during their sixth science run
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Hofmann G
(2015)
Indium joints for cryogenic gravitational wave detectors
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Aasi J
(2014)
The NINJA-2 project: detecting and characterizing gravitational waveforms modelled using numerical binary black hole simulations
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Vajente G
(2018)
Effect of elevated substrate temperature deposition on the mechanical losses in tantala thin film coatings
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Martin I
(2014)
Low temperature mechanical dissipation of an ion-beam sputtered silica film
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Aasi J
(2014)
Implementation of an $\mathcal{F}$-statistic all-sky search for continuous gravitational waves in Virgo VSR1 data
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Aasi J
(2014)
Application of a Hough search for continuous gravitational waves on data from the fifth LIGO science run
in Classical and Quantum Gravity
Childs PG
(2016)
Use of nanoscale mechanical stimulation for control and manipulation of cell behaviour.
in Acta biomaterialia
Nikukar H
(2013)
Osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells by nanoscale mechanotransduction.
in ACS nano
Description | Our findings include: (a) studies on the mechanical loss and the internal stress of magnetron sputtered coatings of silica, tantala and niobia, (b) demonstration of the use of diamond-like carbon (DLC) for use in future suspension components, (c) continued spin-off of core STFC research activities into the areas of (i) stem cell research and development of techniques ('nanokicking') for supplying specialised cells for use in regenerative medicine, (ii) development of optical interference filter technology for improving the discrimination in NDIR gas sensors for monitoring exhaled CO2 in patients under anesthesia (capnography), (iii) development of DLC coatings for use as an anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling technology for use in the marine and oil & gas industries, and (iv) development of protective DLC coatings for use in rapid prototyping of injection moulded plastic components. |
Exploitation Route | We completed the studies on the mechanical loss and the internal stress of magnetron sputtered coatings of silica, tantala and niobia, (b) demonstration of the use of diamond-like carbon (DLC) for use in future suspension components, (c) continued spin-off of core STFC research activities into the areas of (i) stem cell research and development of techniques ('nanokicking') for supplying specialised cells for use in regenerative medicine, (ii) development of optical interference filter technology for improving the discrimination in NDIR gas sensors for monitoring exhaled CO2 in patients under anesthesia (capnography), (iii) development of DLC coatings for use as an anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling technology for use in the marine and oil & gas industries, and (iv) development of protective DLC coatings for use in rapid prototyping of injection moulded plastic components. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | (1) aspects of precision measurement and interferometry continue to be spun-out into the biomedical field. Prof. Matthew Dalby (Glasgow) and Prof. Stuart Reid (UWS) are pursuing funding routes for patenting the technology and extending to 3D bone growth from mesenchymal stem cells. The first in man study of this bone graft technology is planned within the next 3 years, funded by UK Charity, Find A Better Way. (2) optical filter technology continues to be spun-out into the area of capnography, which is the monitoring of exhaled gas from patients under anaesthesia. This work is being commercialised by UWS and Gas Sensing Solution Ltd. (3) DLC (diamond-like carbon) coatings, which have been developed by Dr Ross Birney and Prof Stuart Reid (formally UWS, now Strathclyde) are being transferred to Torishima Solutions Europe, a UK-based company with links to anti-corrosion applications e.g. oil and gas, marine. Funding has been sought from STFC to support this knowledge transfer. |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
Description | Royal Society Industry Fellowship / Society of Chemical Industry studentship |
Amount | £159,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | P46ICHA/02 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 09/2017 |
Description | SUPA Industrial Placement |
Amount | £35,318 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA) |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2014 |
End | 05/2015 |
Description | CCR - Centre for Coating Research (Moores Foundation funded, led by Stanford University) |
Organisation | Stanford University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Stuart Reid is the international advisor on this project. |
Collaborator Contribution | Through the LIGO Scientific Collaboration structure, this collaboration acts as a two-way platform for driving technological developments required for the laser mirror coatings in future gravitational wave detectors. |
Impact | Joint papers. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | ELITES collaboration |
Organisation | Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU) |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have contributed designs and expertise in low loss optics and materials at cryogenic temperatures. Several visits of PDRAs and students to Japan have taken place for characterising silica tantala coatings on sapphire discs as well as sapphire fibres used for suspension systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | This collaboration has two main goals: 1) Exchange of knowledge between the European labs designing the cryogenic apparatuses, plants and detector components for the Einstein Telescope (ET) and the corresponding labs in Japan, engaged in the Kagra project; 2) Train early stage researchers, both on the European and the Japanese side, in this specific field, developing a new generation of young scientists that will have an important role in the realization and handling of both Kagra and ET. Kagra will be the first large-scale gravitational wave detector using cryogenic optics. This collaboration allows us to contribute to this exciting endeavour, while at the same time obtaining practical experience with cryogenic systems similar to what will be required for future European interferometers such as ET. |
Impact | ELiTES-ET-LCGT Telescopes: Exchange of Scientists award granted from the EU - research activities ongoing (first annual meeting held, exchanges underway) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | ELITES collaboration |
Organisation | Max Planck Society |
Department | Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have contributed designs and expertise in low loss optics and materials at cryogenic temperatures. Several visits of PDRAs and students to Japan have taken place for characterising silica tantala coatings on sapphire discs as well as sapphire fibres used for suspension systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | This collaboration has two main goals: 1) Exchange of knowledge between the European labs designing the cryogenic apparatuses, plants and detector components for the Einstein Telescope (ET) and the corresponding labs in Japan, engaged in the Kagra project; 2) Train early stage researchers, both on the European and the Japanese side, in this specific field, developing a new generation of young scientists that will have an important role in the realization and handling of both Kagra and ET. Kagra will be the first large-scale gravitational wave detector using cryogenic optics. This collaboration allows us to contribute to this exciting endeavour, while at the same time obtaining practical experience with cryogenic systems similar to what will be required for future European interferometers such as ET. |
Impact | ELiTES-ET-LCGT Telescopes: Exchange of Scientists award granted from the EU - research activities ongoing (first annual meeting held, exchanges underway) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | ELITES collaboration |
Organisation | Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) |
Department | Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | We have contributed designs and expertise in low loss optics and materials at cryogenic temperatures. Several visits of PDRAs and students to Japan have taken place for characterising silica tantala coatings on sapphire discs as well as sapphire fibres used for suspension systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | This collaboration has two main goals: 1) Exchange of knowledge between the European labs designing the cryogenic apparatuses, plants and detector components for the Einstein Telescope (ET) and the corresponding labs in Japan, engaged in the Kagra project; 2) Train early stage researchers, both on the European and the Japanese side, in this specific field, developing a new generation of young scientists that will have an important role in the realization and handling of both Kagra and ET. Kagra will be the first large-scale gravitational wave detector using cryogenic optics. This collaboration allows us to contribute to this exciting endeavour, while at the same time obtaining practical experience with cryogenic systems similar to what will be required for future European interferometers such as ET. |
Impact | ELiTES-ET-LCGT Telescopes: Exchange of Scientists award granted from the EU - research activities ongoing (first annual meeting held, exchanges underway) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | ELITES collaboration |
Organisation | Sapienza University of Rome |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have contributed designs and expertise in low loss optics and materials at cryogenic temperatures. Several visits of PDRAs and students to Japan have taken place for characterising silica tantala coatings on sapphire discs as well as sapphire fibres used for suspension systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | This collaboration has two main goals: 1) Exchange of knowledge between the European labs designing the cryogenic apparatuses, plants and detector components for the Einstein Telescope (ET) and the corresponding labs in Japan, engaged in the Kagra project; 2) Train early stage researchers, both on the European and the Japanese side, in this specific field, developing a new generation of young scientists that will have an important role in the realization and handling of both Kagra and ET. Kagra will be the first large-scale gravitational wave detector using cryogenic optics. This collaboration allows us to contribute to this exciting endeavour, while at the same time obtaining practical experience with cryogenic systems similar to what will be required for future European interferometers such as ET. |
Impact | ELiTES-ET-LCGT Telescopes: Exchange of Scientists award granted from the EU - research activities ongoing (first annual meeting held, exchanges underway) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | ELITES collaboration |
Organisation | Tokyo University of Science |
Department | Institute for Cosmic Rays Research |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have contributed designs and expertise in low loss optics and materials at cryogenic temperatures. Several visits of PDRAs and students to Japan have taken place for characterising silica tantala coatings on sapphire discs as well as sapphire fibres used for suspension systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | This collaboration has two main goals: 1) Exchange of knowledge between the European labs designing the cryogenic apparatuses, plants and detector components for the Einstein Telescope (ET) and the corresponding labs in Japan, engaged in the Kagra project; 2) Train early stage researchers, both on the European and the Japanese side, in this specific field, developing a new generation of young scientists that will have an important role in the realization and handling of both Kagra and ET. Kagra will be the first large-scale gravitational wave detector using cryogenic optics. This collaboration allows us to contribute to this exciting endeavour, while at the same time obtaining practical experience with cryogenic systems similar to what will be required for future European interferometers such as ET. |
Impact | ELiTES-ET-LCGT Telescopes: Exchange of Scientists award granted from the EU - research activities ongoing (first annual meeting held, exchanges underway) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | ELITES collaboration |
Organisation | University of Sannio |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have contributed designs and expertise in low loss optics and materials at cryogenic temperatures. Several visits of PDRAs and students to Japan have taken place for characterising silica tantala coatings on sapphire discs as well as sapphire fibres used for suspension systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | This collaboration has two main goals: 1) Exchange of knowledge between the European labs designing the cryogenic apparatuses, plants and detector components for the Einstein Telescope (ET) and the corresponding labs in Japan, engaged in the Kagra project; 2) Train early stage researchers, both on the European and the Japanese side, in this specific field, developing a new generation of young scientists that will have an important role in the realization and handling of both Kagra and ET. Kagra will be the first large-scale gravitational wave detector using cryogenic optics. This collaboration allows us to contribute to this exciting endeavour, while at the same time obtaining practical experience with cryogenic systems similar to what will be required for future European interferometers such as ET. |
Impact | ELiTES-ET-LCGT Telescopes: Exchange of Scientists award granted from the EU - research activities ongoing (first annual meeting held, exchanges underway) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | ELITES collaboration |
Organisation | University of the West of Scotland |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have contributed designs and expertise in low loss optics and materials at cryogenic temperatures. Several visits of PDRAs and students to Japan have taken place for characterising silica tantala coatings on sapphire discs as well as sapphire fibres used for suspension systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | This collaboration has two main goals: 1) Exchange of knowledge between the European labs designing the cryogenic apparatuses, plants and detector components for the Einstein Telescope (ET) and the corresponding labs in Japan, engaged in the Kagra project; 2) Train early stage researchers, both on the European and the Japanese side, in this specific field, developing a new generation of young scientists that will have an important role in the realization and handling of both Kagra and ET. Kagra will be the first large-scale gravitational wave detector using cryogenic optics. This collaboration allows us to contribute to this exciting endeavour, while at the same time obtaining practical experience with cryogenic systems similar to what will be required for future European interferometers such as ET. |
Impact | ELiTES-ET-LCGT Telescopes: Exchange of Scientists award granted from the EU - research activities ongoing (first annual meeting held, exchanges underway) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | ELITES collaboration |
Organisation | Virgo Ego Scientific Forum |
Country | Global |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have contributed designs and expertise in low loss optics and materials at cryogenic temperatures. Several visits of PDRAs and students to Japan have taken place for characterising silica tantala coatings on sapphire discs as well as sapphire fibres used for suspension systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | This collaboration has two main goals: 1) Exchange of knowledge between the European labs designing the cryogenic apparatuses, plants and detector components for the Einstein Telescope (ET) and the corresponding labs in Japan, engaged in the Kagra project; 2) Train early stage researchers, both on the European and the Japanese side, in this specific field, developing a new generation of young scientists that will have an important role in the realization and handling of both Kagra and ET. Kagra will be the first large-scale gravitational wave detector using cryogenic optics. This collaboration allows us to contribute to this exciting endeavour, while at the same time obtaining practical experience with cryogenic systems similar to what will be required for future European interferometers such as ET. |
Impact | ELiTES-ET-LCGT Telescopes: Exchange of Scientists award granted from the EU - research activities ongoing (first annual meeting held, exchanges underway) |
Start Year | 2012 |
Title | Mechanical bioreactor |
Description | https://patents.google.com/patent/GB201514734D0/en |
IP Reference | GB201514734D0 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2017 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Development of stem cell derived osteoblasts (bone building cells) for research, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine (surgical bone graft). |
Description | Article in Paisley Express newspaper, on Reid, highlighting the discovery of gravitational waves. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Large newspaper article on gravitational wave discovery and the involvement of the University of the West of Scotland. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/paisley |
Description | BBC Radio Scotland, Newsdrive program, 12th February 2016, "scientific discovery and innovation" discussion |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Invited interview on BBC Scotland radio station, around 5pm (rush hour commuting target audience) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland |
Description | Birney, Talk, Stanford (US), "Diamond-Like Carbon for potential use as protective and high emissivity coating for future mirror suspensions", 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Huge interest in capabilities in UWS. Many questions. Request for additional information to be sent to colleagues working in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) in the US. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | https://dcc.ligo.org/LIGO-G1400975 |
Description | Birney, talk, Takayama (Japan), GWADW (Gravitational wave advanced detector workshop), "DLC fabrication capabilities at UWS, with potential applications for protective and high emissivity coating", 2014. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Huge interest in capabilities at UWS. Initiated orders from Virgo and KAGRA international projects for fabirating baffle and suspension components for their GW detectors. Initiated orders from Virgo and KAGRA international projects for fabirating baffle and suspension components for their GW detectors. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.gravity.ircs.titech.ac.jp/GWADW2014/program.htm |
Description | BlueDot Music Festival - talk on gravitational waves |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | BlueDot |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.discoverthebluedot.com |
Description | Careers networking event - Morrisons Academy high school, Crieff, Perthshire |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Presented my research areas (gravitational waves, nanokicking/stem cells) and described career opportunities within physics and biomedical engineering. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://twitter.com/macmorrisons/status/971349384926519296 |
Description | Dundee Astronomical, Searching for signals from the dark side of the Universe. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Standard Astronomical Society type presentation. Very interested audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.dundeeastro.com |
Description | Invited public talk at Joint Congress of University Astronomical Societies, Galway, Ireland (Mar 2019) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Invited public talk at Joint Congress of University Astronomical Societies, Galway, Ireland (Mar 2019) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Invited seminar/colloquim, University of Glasgow (UK) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk on Nanokicking (stem cell) research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Invited talk in conjuction with Coats Observatory and UWS, History of Astronomy in Paisley. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Event organised between Coats Observatory and the UWS Physics Society. Talk by Reid. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Invited talk to the Renfrewshire Astronomical Society, Paisley |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Invited talk to the Renfrewshire Astronomical Society, Paisley |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited talk to the Stirling Astronomical Society, Paisley. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | as above |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Keynote public lecture for the British Orthopaedic Research Society (BORS). |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | BORS |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://borsoc.org.uk/ |
Description | Media (videos) produced for marketing purposes (UK role in gravitational wave detector development) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Marketing materials prepare to highlight UK (GEO600) contribution to building Advanced LIGO (gravitational wave detectors, US). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.geo600.org/1725649/GEO600_Interviews |
Description | Public talk with Prof. Andrew Hart (Plastic Surgeon), Clinicians in Research Network |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | n/a |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Re-write the Headlines activity with local school - 1 workshop session - Kingcase Primary school (UK) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Workshop |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://researchtheheadlines.org |
Description | Re-write the Headlines activity with local school - 2 workshop sessions - Todholm Primary school (UK) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Schools workshop |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://researchtheheadlines.org |
Description | Re-write the Headlines activity with local school - 3 workshop sessions - Craigholme primary school (UK) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | School workshop |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://researchtheheadlines.org |
Description | Re-write the Headlines activity with local school - 3 workshop sessions - St. Francis of Assisi Primary school (UK) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Schools workshop |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://researchtheheadlines.org |
Description | Re-write the Headlines activity with local school - 3 workshop sessions - St. Mirren's primary (UK) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Schools workshop. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://researchtheheadlines.org |
Description | Re-write the Headlines activity with local school - workshop sessions - St. Mun's Primary School, Dunoon (UK) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | School workshop |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://researchtheheadlines.org |
Description | Reid, Evening Times article 02/07/2014, entitled "Top honour for Scots scientist", 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | n/a |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/top-honour-for-scots-scientist-169495n.24642902 |
Description | Reid, IOP and BSF public lecture, Glasgow, 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Huge interest in talk from participants. This was the first ever public talk on nanokicking. Many questions at end of talk. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.astro.gla.ac.uk/users/martin/ioplect/lecture3.pdf |
Description | Reid, Paisley Express article 04/07/2014, "Uni space expert over the moon over new role", 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | n/a |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Reid, Talk, Renfrewshire Astronomical Society, 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Audience very interested in the topic (gravitational wave detection). Stimulated stronger links between the Society, the Coates Observatory, and the University (UWS). Invited to come back to present at Coates Observatory later in 2014. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Reid, Talk, public talk in Paisley, "A star's life", 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Good attendance and significant interest in astronomy research activities in UWS in astronomy. Requests for additional talks. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.uws.ac.uk/news---categories/engineering-and-computing/academics-to-give-insight-into-the-... |
Description | Reid, talk, Dundee Astronomical Society, 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Huge interest from audience in the status of gravitational wave detection Invited to come back |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://dundeeastro.com |
Description | Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition - Giving Stem Cells A Good (Nano)kicking |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 14500 visitors over 7 days. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.nanokick.com |
Description | Science in Parliament event - Scottish Government - Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) stand - Reid to lead |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Science and Parliament engagement event, organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.rsc.org/events/detail/19918/Science%20and%20the%20Parliament%202015 |
Description | Talk on Physics and Astronomy, Gryffe High School, 23 Sept 2015 (Bridge of Weir, UK) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | School talk on physics, astronomy, and gravitational waves. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | The Borders Science Festival (Peebles public library) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public talk on gravitational wave detection at the Borders Science Festival |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRx-Pp-9... |
Description | UWS Daring2bDifferent Festival, 2 talks, 100 years of Physics Innovation at UWS (Dumfries) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk in relation to scientific innovation in Paisley over the last 100 years. Part of the UWS Daring2bDifferent Festival. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://moodle.uws.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=5442 |
Description | UWS Daring2bDifferent Festival, 2 talks, 100 years of Physics Innovation at UWS (Paisley) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation on scientific innovation in Paisley over the past 100 years. Organised by UWS, as part of the Daring2bDifferent Festival. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://moodle.uws.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=5442 |