The Extreme Instruments of Astrophysics - LIGO

Explore the cutting-edge world of gravitational wave detection in this 58-minute Hackaday Remoticon keynote presentation by Dr. Keith Thorne. Delve into the intricate workings of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), the most precise measurement device ever created, capable of detecting motion 1/10,000 the diameter of a proton. Learn about the extreme engineering challenges involved in building and operating LIGO, including cooling mirrors to 77 nano-Kelvins and hacking the Linux kernel for real-time digital control. Discover how the LIGO team uses innovative techniques like "squeezed light" to overcome quantum mechanical limitations and improve detection sensitivity. Gain insights into astrophysical phenomena such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes, and understand how LIGO's measurements compare to traditional telescopes. Explore the fascinating intersection of physics, engineering, and computer science that makes gravitational wave detection possible, and get answers to questions about realtime computing, electronics shielding, and quantum squeezing in this comprehensive overview of one of science's most ambitious projects.