"A gravitational-wave detector is any device designed to measure tiny distortions of spacetime called gravitational waves."
A method used to measure the small changes in distance caused by gravitational waves, using laser beams to precisely measure the distance between two mirrors.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: Understanding the range of wavelengths and frequencies of electromagnetic waves, including visible light and radio waves, is important to grasp the principles of interferometry.
Wave Propagation: Learning how waves propagate in various media and how they interfere with each other is essential to Interferometry.
Optics: Interferometers rely on the principles of optics, including the interference of lightwaves and the manipulation of light.
Mirrors and Lenses: Understanding the properties of mirrors and lenses is important in designing and building interferometers.
Precision Measurements: Interferometers produce incredibly precise measurements; thus, understanding techniques for precision measurement is crucial.
Fourier Transform: This mathematical technique is used in analyzing and interpreting the interference patterns produced by interferometers.
Statistical Analysis: Understanding the statistical analysis involved in measuring and interpreting data obtained from interferometers is necessary to draw accurate conclusions.
Laser Physics: Interferometers use laser beams; therefore, knowledge of the physics of lasers is critical.
Gravitational Waves: Understanding the properties and characteristics of gravitational waves, their sources, and their detection methods is crucial in interferometry.
Quantum Mechanics: The principles of quantum mechanics underpin the behavior of light and other fundamental particles; consequently, understanding this subject is important for interpreting and designing experiments.
General Relativity: Understanding the principles of general relativity and how it relates to the detection of gravitational waves is central to Interferometry.
Data Analysis: The data obtained from interferometers requires substantial analysis, and learning various data analysis methods is vital.
Instrumentation: The design and construction of interferometers involve several complex instrumentation techniques.
Computing: Modern interferometry often involves complex computing, data storage, and data analysis systems. Knowledge of computing is necessary to understand the operation and interpretation of interferometer output.
Engineering: Interferometer building and design require expertise in several engineering fields, including electrical, mechanical, and optic engineering. A working knowledge of these fields is important in understanding the design and operation of interferometers.
Michelson Interferometry: This type of interferometry is the most commonly used method for detecting gravitational waves. It uses a laser beam that is split into two perpendicular paths and then recombined to produce an interference pattern. Any distortion in space-time caused by gravitational waves will cause the interference pattern to change, indicating the presence of gravitational waves.
Fabry-Perot Interferometry: This method uses a Fabry-Perot cavity, which consists of two mirrors separated by a fixed distance. The laser beam is bounced back and forth between the mirrors, causing interference. Any change in the distance between the mirrors due to gravitational waves will cause a change in the interference pattern, indicating the presence of gravitational waves.
Resonant Mass Interferometry: This method involves using massive objects, such as spheres or cylinders, that are held in a state of resonance by applying a small amount of energy. Gravitational waves passing through the object cause it to vibrate, which changes the resonance frequency of the object. This change can be detected by measuring the changes in the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object.
Pulsar Timing Array: This method uses a network of pulsars that are monitored over a long period of time. Any change in the timing of the pulsars is caused by the passage of gravitational waves through the space between the pulsars and the observation point.
Heterodyne Interferometry: This technique involves mixing the laser light with a reference frequency to produce a lower frequency signal that can be more easily detected. Any changes in the interference pattern caused by gravitational waves can then be detected in the lower frequency signal.
Sagnac Interferometry: This method involves splitting a laser beam into two beams that travel in opposite directions around a closed loop. Any distortion in the space-time caused by gravitational waves will cause a phase shift between the two beams, which can be detected by measuring the interference pattern when the two beams are recombined.
Mach-Zehnder Interferometry: This method involves splitting the laser beam into two separate paths that are then recombined to produce an interference pattern. Any changes in the interference pattern caused by gravitational waves can be detected by measuring the relative phase shift between the two paths.
Doppler Shift Interferometry: This method involves using the Doppler effect to measure changes in the frequency of the laser light caused by the passage of gravitational waves through the observation point.
Hanbury Brown and Twiss Interferometry: This method involves using multiple sources of light placed at different locations to detect changes in the interference patterns caused by gravitational waves.
Vibration Isolation Interferometry: This method involves isolating the interferometer from external vibrations that could interfere with the detection of gravitational waves. Isolation systems typically involve suspending the interferometer from springs or other materials that absorb vibrations.
"Since the 1960s, various kinds of gravitational-wave detectors have been built and constantly improved."
"The present-day generation of laser interferometers has reached the necessary sensitivity to detect gravitational waves from astronomical sources."
"The present-day generation of laser interferometers... forming the primary tool of gravitational-wave astronomy."
"The first direct detection of gravitational waves was made in 2015..."
"The first direct detection of gravitational waves made in 2015 by the Advanced LIGO observatories..."
"...a feat which was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics."
"The first direct detection of gravitational waves made in 2015 by the Advanced LIGO observatories..."
"A gravitational-wave detector is any device designed to measure tiny distortions of spacetime called gravitational waves."
"Since the 1960s, various kinds of gravitational-wave detectors have been built and constantly improved."
"The present-day generation of laser interferometers has reached the necessary sensitivity to detect gravitational waves from astronomical sources."
"...thus forming the primary tool of gravitational-wave astronomy."
"A gravitational-wave detector is any device designed to measure tiny distortions of spacetime called gravitational waves."
"The present-day generation of laser interferometers has reached the necessary sensitivity to detect gravitational waves from astronomical sources."
"...forming the primary tool of gravitational-wave astronomy."
"Since the 1960s, various kinds of gravitational-wave detectors have been built and constantly improved."
"...a feat which was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics."
"A gravitational-wave detector is any device designed to measure tiny distortions of spacetime called gravitational waves."
"The present-day generation of laser interferometers has reached the necessary sensitivity to detect gravitational waves from astronomical sources."
"The first direct detection of gravitational waves made in 2015 by the Advanced LIGO observatories..."