Finesse Workshop and Hackathon: Hands-on interferometer modelling

Frequency domain INterfErometer Simulation SoftwarE or Finesse is a sophisticated simulation package for modelling optics and laser interferometers. This interferometer modelling software was developed for the design of gravitational wave detectors, but is easy to use for students with simpler lab-based setups as well. It includes advanced features such as higher-order modes, quantum noise and radiation pressure effects.
Screenshot 2019-10-24 02.57.24
For example, the figure above shows a simulation of the arm of a gravitational wave detector, which is effectively a two-mirror cavity. As Finesse uses Hermite-Gauss (HG) modes internally, we can model the cavity response by injecting a sum of 9 HG modes whose sum is equivalent to an LG33 mode. (credits: Pic and caption adapted from GW optics)
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As part of the LIGO-India training program, we would like to encourage students from colleges and institutions in India to become conversant with optical simulation software tools for understanding and modelling advanced gravitational wave detectors. ‘Hands-on Interferometer Modelling’ is a good way to acquire in-depth knowledge of the LIGO type of detectors on the one hand and the mathematical modelling of such complex optical interferometers on the other. This mentored training program will be carried out in 3 parts as explained below:
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The first part of this program is the Finesse Mentorship Program starting from 20th Nov 2019 through till 15th Feb 2020A team of three students from each institution will be given small projects and online coaching by mentors so that they become proficient with the Finesse Software.  These mentors are selected from the international Finesse Working group headed by Prof. Andreas Freise, Univ of Birmingham.
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Towards the middle of this mentorship program, a Finesse Workshop will be held for the students to improve their proficiency in modelling challenging gravitational wave detector configurations.  This Workshop will be held at IUCAA from Dec 18th to 21st. 2019.  Interested students are encouraged to apply through the common online application form and select Finesse-Workshop among the options. Please mention (in the online application form) the names of the other team members from your institution.  The application form may be accessed here.
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   Following the end of the mentoring program in mid-February 2020, a Finesse Hackathon will be held at IUCAA during the first week of March 2020 at IUCAA.  The winning team gets to go to UK or Europe for a 15 day internship at one of the institutions in the LIGO VIRGO Collaboration!!