The Advanced LIGO instruments in the USA made the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, about a century after Einstein’s prediction of their existence. The award citation reads "Overcoming a daunting list of engineering challenges; LIGO team connected optical, electrical and mechanical elements of advanced interferometry to find engineering success at the limits of human endeavor"

LIGO’s Dennis Coyne and Garilynn Billingsley will represent the team at the Frontiers in Optics & Laser Science Meeting award ceremony in October. Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light.The entire list of recipients of the award is available here: