The activity of bringing isolated LIGO components together so that the instrument can operate in the scientific mode and output astrophysical data is known as commissioning. I worked as a commissioner at both LIGO sites as a commissioner during my PhD study.

I particularly worked on the alignment sensing and control (ASC) of LIGO. A robust ASC system is necessary for the high-power operation of LIGO, which is the key to reducing the quantum shot noise at high frequencies. Meanwhile, the control noise from the ASC system is currently limiting the sensitivity in the low-frequency end of LIGO. Therefore, the ASC system plays a central role in LIGO's performance.