New compact detector capable of sensing gravitational waves could help scientists build a global network and discover hidden signals.
A new study has just introduced an innovative method for detecting gravitational waves in the milli-Hertz frequency range.
Researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Sussex have now proposed a compact detector using advanced optical cavity and atomic clock technologies to detect gravitational waves within this milli-Hertz range (10⁻⁵ – 1 Hz), explains .
“By using mature technology in the context of optical atomic clocks, we can extend the range of gravitational wave detection into a completely new frequency range with instruments that fit on a laboratory table. This opens up the exciting possibility of building a global network of such detectors and look for signs that would otherwise remain hidden for at least another decade,” says researcher Vera Guarrera.
The co-author of the study published this month, Xavier Calmet, added that “this detector allows us to test astrophysical models of binary systems in our galaxy, explore massive black hole mergers and even search for stochastic backgrounds of the early universe. With this method, we have the tools to begin to probe these signals from Earthpaving the way for future space missions.”
The study also suggests that integrating these detectors with existing clock networks could extend the detection of gravitational waves to even lower frequenciescomplementing high-frequency observatories like LIGO.
This configuration not only increases sensitivity, but also allows you to identify the polarization of the wave and the direction of the source.
