High-Frequency Gravitational Wave Detection via Optical Frequency Modulation

Understand

High-frequency gravitational waves can be detected by observing the frequency modulation they impart on photons.

• We discuss fundamental limitations to this method related to the fact that it is impossible to construct a perfectly rigid detector.
• We then propose several novel methods to search for O(MHz-GHz) gravitational waves based on the frequency modulation induced in the spectrum of an intense laser beam, by applying optical frequency demodulation techniques, or by using optical atomic clock technology.
• We find promising sensitivities across a broad frequency range.