Will gravitational waves confirm Einstein's General Relativity?

TL;DR

This paper discusses how future gravitational wave observations could test Einstein's General Relativity against alternative theories of gravity by analyzing detector response functions.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of advanced gravitational wave detection sensitivity for testing and distinguishing between General Relativity and Extended Theories of Gravity.

Findings

Accurate response functions can differentiate gravity theories.

Enhanced GW detection sensitivity enables better tests of gravity theories.

Review of a notable essay on gravitational wave testing of gravity theories.

Abstract

Even if Einstein's General Relativity achieved a great success and overcame lots of experimental tests, it also showed some shortcomings and flaws which today advise theorists to ask if it is the definitive theory of gravity. In this proceeding paper it is shown that, if advanced projects on the detection of Gravitational Waves (GWs) will improve their sensitivity, allowing to perform a GWs astronomy, accurate angular and frequency dependent response functions of interferometers for GWs arising from various Theories of Gravity, i.e. General Relativity and Extended Theories of Gravity, will be the ultimate test for General Relativity. This proceeding paper is also a short review of the Essay which won Honorable Mention at the 2009 Gravity Research Foundation Awards.