Gravitational Wave Astronomy: A New Frontier in the Pursuit of Human Knowledge
The first direct detection of gravitational waves from the merger of two black holes marked the birth of gravitational wave astronomy and revealed the immense potential of this new field. Phenomena such as the expansion of the early universe, black hole oscillations, supernova explosions, and the coalescence of compact binary stars all emit gravitational waves. Detecting them enables us to observe regions and events in the universe that are inaccessible with conventional telescopes. Moreover, gravitational waves offer a powerful tool for exploring the fabric of space-time and may lead to the unification of general relativity, quantum mechanics, and cosmology.
Research in this field is expected to steadily advance and yield significant results. To achieve these goals, we must develop detection technologies with ultra-high sensitivity and low noise, capable of capturing the minute distortions in space-time caused by gravitational waves.
To pioneer this field, passion, perseverance, imagination, and action are essential. If you are interested in gravitational wave research and would like to be part of this exciting endeavor, we invite you to join our group and share in the excitement and depth of this scientific frontier.
For details, please contact: gw-contact@*
We welcome visits and inquiries at any time.
The Gravitational Wave Project Office accepts graduate students through the Department of Astronomy at the University of Tokyo and the Department of Astronomical Science at the Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI). If you plan to apply to either of these graduate programs and wish to conduct research in gravitational wave astronomy with us, please contact: gw-contact@*
Students from other universities may also conduct research with our group, provided an agreement is established between NAOJ and their home university or supervisor. Graduate students interested in short-term research visits are encouraged to apply for the NAOJ Visiting Program.
In any case, please contact gw-contact@ml.nao.ac.jp or get in touch directly with one of the faculty members listed below.
* Please replace @ with @ml.nao.ac.jp when emailing.
Faculty Members Accepting Students
| Name | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| TOMARU, Takayuki | Professor | Project Director |
| TAKAHASHI, Ryutaro | Lecturer |
Recent Master's and Doctoral Thesis Titles
- Frequency-Dependent Squeezing for Gravitational-Wave Detectors
- Optical Loss Study of Molecular Layers for Future Cryogenic Gravitational-Wave Detectors
- Development of a Frequency-Dependent Squeezed Vacuum Source for Broadband Quantum Noise Reduction in Advanced Gravitational-Wave Detectors
- Fast Localization of Coalescing Binaries with Gravitational Wave Detectors and Low-Frequency Vibration Isolation for KAGRA
- Development of a 13.5-Meter-Tall Vibration Isolation System for the Main Mirrors in KAGRA
- Study of Parametric Instabilities for Improving KAGRA's Sensitivity in the kHz Band
- Development of a Two-Stage Low-Frequency Vibration Isolation System for Third-Generation Gravitational-Wave Telescopes
- Control Methods for Polarization-Circulating Speed Meters Toward Next-Generation Gravitational-Wave Telescopes
