Research

Gravitational waves are like ripples traveling in space-time. An optical-infrared telescope like the Subaru Telescope and a radio telescope like ALMA are instruments that capture electromagnetic waves, which are oscillations in the electromagnetic field. On the other hand, KAGRA captures gravitational waves, deformations in space-time that are transmitted as waves. Therefore, its detection principle differs fundamentally from telescopes that capture electromagnetic waves. KAGRA uses a technique called laser interferometry. It detects how space expands and contracts with the gravitational wave by looking at the interference fringes between laser beams propagated along orthogonal paths. In order to improve the precision of this interferometer, not only a long baseline length but also a high-power laser source, large aperture/ultralow loss mirrors, and ultrahigh-vacuum equipment are necessary. We develop and adopt various leading technologies in KAGRA. We are preparing so that we can lead the coming era of gravitational wave astronomy.

The coalescence of binary neutron star is one of the sources of gravitational waves. This astrophysical phenomenon can also be observed through electromagnetic waves such as gamma rays, optical, infrared and radio waves. We are seeking collaborations with observation instruments other than gravitational wave telescopes, such as the Subaru Telescope.