Experimental Gravity Group (EGG)
The Experimental Gravity Group (EGG) at Caltech develops and operates precision experiments in gravitational physics, quantum measurement, and advanced photonics. Our work ranges from gravitational-wave detector infrastructure to tabletop experiments that probe the interface of quantum mechanics and gravity.
Research pillars
We organize our long-term research program into a small number of pillars that are stable over many years. Each pillar has its own project page describing current work, techniques, and open problems.
- LIGO & Experimental Gravity Infrastructure – detector R&D, LIGO-related systems, coatings, and cryogenic optics.
- Quantum Measurement & Control – squeezed and non-Gaussian states, quantum-limited sensors, and robust feedback for complex interferometers.
- Quantum Gravity & Foundational Physics – precision null tests and reproducible protocols that constrain models at the quantum–gravity interface.
- Frontier Photonics & Energy Systems – high-power optics, coherent beam arrays, and related technologies.
- AI for Experimental Physics – machine-learning tools for control, diagnostics, and experiment design.
For more detail on each pillar, see the Research Pillars page.
People
EGG includes graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, undergraduates, and visitors. The group is led by the principal investigator, with projects often spanning multiple pillars and collaborations.
Current members and contact details are listed on the People page.
Joining the group
If you are interested in working with EGG:
- Prospective graduate students should apply through the relevant Caltech graduate programs and mention their interest in EGG and related research areas.
- Postdoctoral candidates are typically recruited via focused position announcements and external fellowships.
- Undergraduate students and visitors may participate via research projects during the academic year or summer.
Before reaching out, it is helpful to review our recent Publications and Research Pillars to understand how your interests overlap with ongoing work.
Contact
For general inquiries about the Experimental Gravity Group, please use the contact information provided on the People page or in the relevant position announcements.