The search for gravitational waves has spanned several decades in time and now even more decades in frequency. I will describe the latest hunt using the upgraded 'Enhanced LIGO' detectors and the new challenges and potentials of the up and coming Advanced LIGO detectors. Looking beyond the near future, we must also consider what new physics can be uncovered by further increasing our scientific reach. I will describe how this can be done by incorporating recent developments in materials science, quantum non-demolition measurement, and adaptive control systems.