| Citation | James Hough is an outstanding and internationally recognised experimentalist, working in the field of gravitational wave physics. As Director of the Institute for Gravitational Research, he has brought the UK to the forefront of this area and will participate in the detection of gravitational waves from astronomical objects within a few years. The target is to measure strains in space of 10-23 per root Hz. To do this Professor Hough has developed innovative and practical laboratory techniques including laser stabilisation, quasi-monolithic bonding of materials for suspension systems and measurement of ultra-low optical loss. Aspects of these techniques have been transferred to other fields and to industry. |