Thesis
Multi-interferometer search methods for gravitational waves
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2005
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/415
Abstract
The theory of general relativity predicts the existence of gravitational waves, which are ripples on the fabric of space-time caused by the bulk motion of very large amounts of mass-energy. In 1993, Hulse and Taylor received the Nobel Prize for their work on a binary pulsar system which indirectly proved the existence of gravitational waves. The challenge of directly detecting these waves still remains unmet today. The fabric of space-time is extremely rigid, so only extreme systems of mass can produce sizable gravity waves on it. Some of the more promising systems include binary star systems with neutron star and black hole constituents. Given that these systems are at extra-galactic distances, the waves from them will be very weak upon arriving at Earth. Only very recently has it become possible to build a detector that can measure such a small effect.
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Details
- Title
- Multi-interferometer search methods for gravitational waves
- Creators
- Shawn Eugene Seader
- Contributors
- Sukanta Bose (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900525078101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis