Gravity is one of the four fundamental forces of nature. It is the force which structures the Universe. It creates galaxies, stars and planets. It switches on the nuclear furnaces in stars which bring light and life to the Universe. It can accumulate indefinitely and create Black Holes. It shapes space and alters time. But…. gravity is still shrouded in mystery and its secrets are only now beginning to be uncovered.
Gravity waves are like sounds that travel through space at the speed of light. Today we are able to see far into the Universe with all sorts of telescopes but so far we are deaf to the sounds of the Universe - we are still unable to hear. Gravity wave technology (as we are researching at the AIGO, adjacent to the GDC) will give us that new dimension: a completely new spectrum is waiting to be explored, another sense never before imagined.
It took scientists 100 years to explore the electromagnetic spectrum. The discovery of electromagnetic waves in 1886 spawned a dramatic and unforeseen revolution as the new waves were progressively harnessed for communication, medicine and astronomy. The harnessing of gravity waves will unleash similar potential, with the promise of bringing equally dramatic changes (inconceivable to us now) that will revolutionise our lives. The next century will be the century of gravity waves. At the very least, gravity waves will allow us to unravel the mysteries of the dark side of the Universe from Black holes to the ‘Big Bang’.
Australia’s Role in Gravity Wave Research
With amazing new technology developed through an intense international collaboration, scientists predict that we will soon be capable of listening in to the birth of the Universe itself.
Detection requires a worldwide array of observatories linked by internet (see list on right). It is critical to have one in Australia to give a southern arm and three-dimensional coverage. The first stage of the Australian International Gravitational Observatory is under development at Gingin, Western Australia: thus Australia is already a partner in the global effort.
Australia’s key role in gravity wave research has provided the opportunity to create The Gravity Discovery Centre. This Centre will allow the public to participate and share in the excitment of discovery. It is an initiative that will benefit all Australians.
Gravity wave technology has already created a surge of innovation that will bring significant practical and economic benefits to Australia. For example, the research has already created enhanced radar technology, sapphire clocks, supermirrors, gravity sensors, laser technology, ocean wave monitoring and super-efficient air-conditioners.
Scientific Spin-Offs and Breakthroughs
Radar Oscillators
The improvement is sufficient to allow radars to detect “Stealth Bombers” - aircraft that were previously undetectable. This technology will also allow commercial aircraft to identify air turbulence faster and more clearly than ever before. A new Australian industry has emerged based on the commercialisation of patented spin-offs from gravity wave research.
The Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer
A gravity gradiometer is a device used in mineral exploration to detect ore bodies through their gravity effects. Gravity gradiometers can allow rapid airborne exploration, unlike conventional gravity sensors. The devices need ultra sensitive detection of gravity deflections. Today the project has been commercialised under contract with The University of Western Australia (UWA).
Coastal Ocean Wave Monitors
UWA gravity wave physicists have developed and patented a land-based device able to accurately monitor coastal ocean waves. This device can measure the growth of potentially life-threatening swells, saving the need for expensive buoys. At least 40 Waverider Buoys are used around Australia to monitor ocean waves at considerable expense. These buoys are expensive to purchase ($140,000 each) and to maintain ($20,000 pa).
The Sapphire Clock
This was invented at UWA for gravity wave research and is the only clock in the world stable enough to allow atomic clocks to reach their ultimate precision. These are required for the Inter-national Space Station and for the next generation of precision GPS navigational systems. The clock, which uses pure crystals of synthetic saphire, is being developed for the above applications funded by and in collaboratoin with the French LPTF Laboratory of CNRS in Paris.
Ultra Low Energy Air-Conditioning
This greenhouse-gas-minimising air conditioning concept was invented for the special requirements of the AIGO Observatory buildings. The device makes use of cool underground water and reduces the total energy requirements to 10% of convenional air conditioning. The first prototype has been evaluated during the operation of AIGO. Its eventual commercialisation will allow massive air conditioning power savings in domestic and industrial locations across Australia whereever low temperature ground water is available.
Much of the above research has been conducted with the support of the Australian Research Council.
MilitaryRoad, Gingin, Western Australia
