Prof. David Blair
Australian International Gravitational Research Centre (AIGRC)
Dept.of Physics, University of Western Australia

Nedlands, Perth
Western Australia 6907
+61-9-3802736
+61-9-3801170
dgb@pd.uwa.edu.au
http://www.gravity.pd.uwa.edu.au

The spectrum of gravitational waves is awaiting discovery. When harnessed it will offer a powerful new probe of the universe. The quest to discover gravitational waves, detectable through the measurement of infinitesimal vibrations, has led physicists to explore the limits of ultra sensitive measurement. Technology to achieve this goal has in turn required the development of precision oscillators which themselves approach the limits of performance set by fundamental physics.

Gravity wave physics epitomises the link between fundamental science and practical benefits. At UWA advances in optical/laser, microwave and optical oscillator techology have been driven by the needs of gravity wave research and have resulted in the successful commercial application of some of this technology.