Chunnong Zhao

Chunnong Zhao is an Associate Professor at the School of Physics, Maths and Computing at The University of Western Australia. His research focuses on experimental gravitational wave physics and precision measurement technologies, particularly addressing high-optical power effects in laser interferometers. He pioneered work on parametric instability mitigation, which was critical for the Advanced LIGO project. His innovations include opto-acoustic parametric amplifiers and optomechanical filters, enabling ultra-sensitive gravitational wave detection. Current projects involve developing optomechanical negative dispersion technology to improve detector sensitivity at high frequencies.

Research Interests:

• Gravitational wave detection technology
• Optomechanical systems and quantum optomechanics
• Parametric instability control in interferometers
• Optical cavity stabilization techniques
• Laser interferometry applications
• Binary neutron star merger signal analysis

Grants & Projects:

• Tilt sensors for 6D seismology
• Australian Partnership in Advanced LIGO+
• Quantum Australia Centre
• Renewable Microgrid Pilot for Gravitational Wave Facilities

Led collaborations on Advanced LIGO's parametric instability suppression and developed novel optomechanical devices for next-generation detectors. Current research explores quantum-limited optomechanical sensors and negative dispersion applications in gravitational wave astronomy.