Leoni laser cables used in measuring gravitational waves

Nuremberg, 25 February 2016 – Leoni, the leading European provider of

cables and cable systems to the automotive sector and other industries,

supported finding the evidence for gravitational waves with special

optical fiber cables in a joint project with Laser Zentrum Hannover.

An international team of researchers succeeded in showing the collision of two

black holes on the basis of gravitational waves, thereby providing the first

metrological evidence. The Max-Planck-Institute for Gravitational Physics

Hannover (Albert Einstein Institute), the Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH) and

the neoLASE GmbH were significantly involved. The laser head used in the

measuring equipment was developed and built by Laser Zentrum Hannover

and fitted with assembled special cables from Leoni’s Business Unit Fiber

Optics.

The two LIGO observatories (Laser Interferometer Gravitation Wave

Observatory) in Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana, measure,

using their two arms that are each 4,000 metres in length, the smallest wavelength differences with an interferometer and make it possible to detect

gravitational waves in a specially developed process.

Exceptional measuring requirements call for laser systems with

maximum durability and beam quality

“We are delighted about these trailblazing findings as well as the metrological

achievement of all the researchers and institutes involved – and we are proud

that Leoni is part of it,” Dr Michael Gawronski, Vice President Business Unit

Fiber Optics emphasized.

In collaboration with Laser Zentrum Hannover, Leoni supported the

development of laser systems for the LIGO gravitational wave detectors with

special optical fiber cables that transmit the pumped radiation of the laser

diodes onto the crystal. They consist of 70 to 100 metre long, assembled

bundles of seven LargeCore fibers each with a core diameter of 400μm and

seven single arms, the bundle ends combine all the fiber ends in a cuff.