Quantum noise in gravitational-wave interferometers

Thomas Corbitt, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Nergis Mavalvala, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Abstract

We present an overview of quantum noise in gravitational-wave interferometers. Current gravitational-wave detectors are modified variants of a Michelson interferometer and the quantum noise limits are strongly influenced by the optical configuration of the interferometer. We describe recent developments in the treatment of quantum noise in the complex interferometers of present-day and future gravitational-wave detectors and explore prospects for beating the standard quantum limit by use of both injected and ponderomotive squeezing in future interferometers.