She develops technology for the Einstein Telescope
Vaishali Adya contributes to the development of the Einstein Telescope, a future European facility for studying gravitational waves with higher precision than today’s detectors. Through her research in quantum optics, particularly squeezed light, she is developing technology that reduces quantum noise and enables the detection of weaker signals from farther away in the universe. The work is carried out in international collaboration and contributes to one of Europe’s most ambitious research projects.
A telescope for gravitational waves
The Einstein Telescope (ET) is a planned next-generation gravitational-wave detector designed to take research from initial discoveries to detailed precision measurements. Unlike traditional telescopes that observe light, it will measure tiny ripples in spacetime caused by extreme cosmic events, such as collisions between black holes and neutron stars.
“What ET will do is allow us to study parts of the universe that are difficult or impossible to explore with ordinary telescopes,” says Adya.
The project builds on the successes of existing facilities such as LIGO and Virgo, but with significantly higher sensitivity.
“With up to ten times greater precision, the telescope will be able to detect signals from much farther away, and hopefully reveal sources that current detectors cannot observe,” she adds.
Gravitational-wave astronomy has evolved from a phase of individual discoveries to one focused on precise measurements. ET is designed to make gravitational waves a routine and highly detailed way of studying the universe.
Quantum optics and Adya’s research
At KTH, Adya leads research in quantum optics, focusing on technologies that can improve detector sensitivity. A central part of her work is the development of so-called squeezed light, a method for reducing quantum noise in laser-based measurements.
“At the sensitivity levels we are aiming for, quantum fluctuations of light are a real limitation,” she explains. “Squeezed light reshapes these fluctuations, making measurements less noisy.”
By controlling quantum fluctuations, researchers can increase precision and enable new types of observations. Her group also works to make the technology more robust and practical, for example by developing integrated, waveguide-based solutions.
“This could make squeezed-light technology more compact, robust, and easier to integrate into future precision measurement systems,” she notes.
Collaboration and international context
The work is carried out in close collaboration with international partners and is directly linked to the development of future detectors. Adya has extensive experience in the field, including work at LIGO and participation in global research collaborations. Today, her research contributes to both ET and the further development of existing systems.
“For Swedish research, this is an opportunity to contribute to one of the most ambitious research infrastructures in Europe,” she says.
The Einstein Telescope is a major European collaboration involving multiple countries and research environments. For Sweden, the project offers an opportunity to contribute advanced technology and strengthen expertise in areas such as quantum technology, photonics, and precision measurement. For KTH, this engagement is part of a long-term commitment to research excellence.
Looking ahead
“The most exciting possibility is that we may discover things we are not yet expecting,” says Adya.
In the long term, researchers hope the Einstein Telescope will help answer fundamental questions about black holes, neutron stars, dark matter, and the evolution of the universe.
Text: Jelina Khoo