Dr. T. R. Saravanan is an experimental physicist with experience in experimental gravitation, precision measurement, optical interferometry, gravitational-wave instrumentation, seismic isolation systems, and low-frequency inertial sensors. His current research focuses on seismic isolation and control systems for interferometric gravitational-wave detectors, including the development of low-frequency beam-rotation sensors (BRS) for measuring ground rotations in the seismic isolation systems of the LIGO gravitational-wave observatories, gravity gradient noise measurement (Newtonian noise), the development of a Newtonian calibrator for the LIGO-India project, and interferometer-based low-frequency inertial sensors for seismological applications, including teleseismic detection and early-warning systems.
His research experience in experimental gravitation includes laboratory investigations of the Weak Equivalence Principle, gravitational-wave detector technologies, precision measurement of gravitational effects, and the development of instrumentation for fundamental-physics experiments. His doctoral research involved the development of a laboratory prototype for testing the Weak Equivalence Principle, a fundamental principle underlying General Relativity.
His broader research and engineering experience spans precision mechanics, optical interferometry, vibration isolation, gravimeter development, seismometers and accelerometers, optical coatings, laser spectroscopy, vacuum systems, and scientific instrumentation. He also has industrial experience in optical coatings, including the research, development, design, process optimization, characterization, and production of optical thin-film coatings for scientific and industrial applications, as well as experience in handling ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) systems.
His research interests include tests of General Relativity and the Equivalence Principle, measurements of the gravitational constant (G), searches for new short- and intermediate-range forces.