Using atomic clocks for gravitational wave detection

In summary, this conversation discusses a paper that proposes using atomic clocks for gravitational wave detection, similar to other pulsar timing experiments, but with the twist of utilizing satellites for improved sensitivity. The proposed scheme's sensitivity and frequency range are compared to those of eLISA, but it is noted that eLISA has longer arms but a smaller frequency range. The authors suggest a sensitivity range of 0.01 to 10 mHz for this new proposal. The idea is still new and there are no sensitivity estimates yet, but it is noted that a coherent gamma source could potentially be used for this type of detection.
  • #1
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This paper, http://arxiv.org/abs/1501.00996, proposes using atomic clocks for gravitational wave detection. It sounds similar to other ideas involving pulsar timing experiments. The twist here is utilizing satellites to provide a wide base for improved sensitivity. Sounds like an inexpensive alternative to LIGO.
 
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  • #2
I'd like to see some plots comparing this proposed scheme's sensitivity and frequency range to those of eLISA (since those are the sources this paper seems to be claiming to also look at). Are they comparable?

But if this new proposal is looking to be similar to eLISA, it would suggest that this scheme is not really an alternative to advanced LIGO since advanced LIGO scans a different set of frequency ranges which correspond to different sources (usually merging binary neutron stars or stellar mass black holes in nearby galaxies rather than merging supermassive black holes in distant galaxies as is talked about here).
 
  • #3
I queried Professor Moaz about the possibility of using this approach to detect gravitational waves from inflation. He replied it was, in principle, but, they would be more difficult to detect than those from SMBH, etc. A reference was included: http://www.tapir.caltech.edu/~teviet/Waves/gwave_spectrum.html
 
  • #4
Do you know where this new atomic clock GW detector's sensitivity curve would lie on that plot? Would it be roughly where eLISA is?

I notice this plot has LISA instead of eLISA, was it perhaps made before the new spec changes made due to NASA abandoning the LISA project?
 
  • #5
Per the paper, the baseline distance for eLISA will be 10E06 km with a sensitivity at .1 - 100mHz. The configuration for the atomic clock proposal would have an 8.3 light minutes, or 10E08 km baseline. Assuming sensitivity is linear wrt baseline distance, it naively appears it should be in the 10 to 10000 mHz range.
 
  • #6
Are u sure the frequency ranges have a proportional dependence on the length of the arms? (Rather than inverse proportionality?) Because eLISA has MUCH longer arms than LIGO but it is scanning a frequency range that is much SMALLER than that of LIGO not larger.
 
  • #7
No, I'm not at all sure. Signal sensitivity is not necessarily related to measurement sensitivity.
 
  • #8
It would be nice if the authors could provide a plot of the sensitivity and ranges as is standard...
 
  • #9
Frequency range is one over distance (modified with some function depending on the details of the detector). That is the main argument for space-based detectors: you get in the frequency range of orbiting bodies. eLISA has a sensitivity in the range of 1 mHz to 1 Hz (https://www.elisascience.org/articles/elisa-mission/sensitivity), that would give this approach access to 0.01 to 10 mHz, or cycle times of three hours to a minute. This is well in agreement with the 8 light-minutes of separation, as expected. They seem to be a bit more conservative, limiting the frequency range to < 1 mHz to avoid having more than half a wavelength between the spacecraft s.

A very interesting approach. Cheaper? We'll have to see. You still have to measure the arrival times of light signals with an uncertainty significantly below the frequency of the light (and they propose an interferometer...). I would expect you still need the extremely drag-free test masses to keep control of the expected path over the timescale of hours. The proposed 10 kW laser is massive. They compare the power requirement to the ISS!

I think the idea is too new for sensitivity estimates, those will need a more detailed design.
 
  • #10

Related to Using atomic clocks for gravitational wave detection

1. How do atomic clocks detect gravitational waves?

Atomic clocks use atoms as their timekeeping mechanism, which are highly sensitive to changes in gravitational fields. When a gravitational wave passes through the clock, it causes a distortion in the space-time fabric, which in turn affects the behavior of the atoms. By comparing the time readings between two synchronized atomic clocks, scientists can detect the minute changes caused by a passing gravitational wave.

2. What makes atomic clocks more accurate for gravitational wave detection than traditional clocks?

Traditional clocks, such as quartz or mechanical clocks, use physical components like gears and crystals to keep time. These components can be affected by external factors like temperature and vibration, which can cause inaccuracies. Atomic clocks, on the other hand, use the natural behavior of atoms to keep time, making them extremely precise and less susceptible to external influences.

3. What type of atomic clock is used for gravitational wave detection?

The most commonly used atomic clock for gravitational wave detection is the caesium fountain clock. It works by measuring the energy transitions of caesium atoms, which have a very stable and consistent behavior. This type of clock can keep time with an accuracy of one second per 100 million years, making it ideal for detecting the tiny changes caused by gravitational waves.

4. How are atomic clocks synchronized for gravitational wave detection?

In order to accurately detect gravitational waves, atomic clocks must be synchronized with each other. This is typically done using GPS technology, which provides a precise time reference that can be used to synchronize clocks all over the world. This allows scientists to compare the time readings between different atomic clocks and detect any minute changes caused by gravitational waves passing through.

5. Can atomic clocks be used to detect all types of gravitational waves?

No, atomic clocks are only sensitive to certain types of gravitational waves, namely low-frequency waves. This is because the atoms in the clock are only affected by changes in the gravitational field at a certain rate. Higher frequency gravitational waves, such as those produced by black hole mergers, would cause changes in the atoms too quickly for the clock to detect. Therefore, atomic clocks are most effective for detecting low-frequency gravitational waves, which can provide valuable insights into astrophysical phenomena.

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