The Standard Quantum Limit and Beyond

The uncertainty principle sets limits on the sensitivity to which any measurement can be made - the standard quantum limit (SQL). This limit is yet to be reached on a macroscopic object and, until recently, was regarded as unsurpassable. Due to the rapid improvement in optical measurement technology developed for Gravitational Wave Astronomy, there is now the prospect of experimentally reaching the standard quantum limit within this decade. This project will harness much of this technology to achieve the SQL. It will also experimentally develop new quantum measurement techniques to surpass this limit.