DATE: Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:50:25 +1000 SUBJECT: PhD Projects in Gravitational Wave Astronomy and Gravitational Wave Detectors Research Opportunities in Gravitational Wave Astronomy It is predicted that gravitational wave detectors will begin direct observation of coalescing black holes and other exotic phenomena during the next decade. Observations are already setting limits on sources and on the physics of the big bang, leading to numerous significant publications. The Australian Consortium for Gravitational Astronomy (ACIGA) is a group of 50 physicists across 6 universities involved in all aspects of gravitational wave detection. We lead Australian involvement in this exciting frontier of physics which will soon open up a brand new spectrum for observing the universe from the beginning of time in the big bang to the end of time at the black hole event horizon. Our research encompasses: advanced optical techniques for improving and monitoring gravitational wave detectors (ANU, UWA and Adelaide) study of the physics of quantum entanglement and squeezing for surpassing the quantum measurement limit (ANU and UWA) development of new gravitational wave analysis tools and analysis of gravitational wave data from the LIGO and VIRGO observatories. (Melbourne, ANU, UWA, and CSU) technology and data analysis for space based gravitational wave detectors (ANU and UWA) studying and modeling sources of gravitational waves (Melbourne, Monash) Search for electromagnetic transients associated with gravitational wave events.(UWA, ANU) Modelling gravitational wave detectors.(UWA, Adelaide, ANU) We offer an exciting range of Honours, MSc and PhD research projects many of which can include periods of research with international partners, especially at Caltech, MIT and the LIGO Observatories. Please contact the group leaders if you would like to join this exciting field. We welcome international students. Jesper Munch: jesper.munch@adelaide.edu.au, David McClelland: david.mcclelland@anu.edu.au, David Blair: david.blair@physics.uwa.edu.au Andrew Melatos: amelatos@unimelb.edu.au, Duncan Galloway: Duncan.Galloway@sci.monash.edu.au, Phillip Charlton: pcharlton@csu.edu.au David Blair Professor Director, Australian International Gravitational Research Centre (WA Government Centre of Excellence) dgb@physics.uwa.edu.au Tel: 61 8-6488 2736 (office) 61 8-9575 7591 (Gingin) 0409 687 703 (Mobile) Fax: 61 8 6488 1170 Home: 61 8 9279 1003 M013 School of Physics University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Nedlands, WA6009 www.gravity.uwa.edu.au Cricos Provider 0126G