Atomic Interferometric Gravitational-wave Space Observatory (AIGSO)

TL;DR

AIGSO is a proposed space-based gravitational-wave detector using atom interferometry, offering high sensitivity in the 100 mHz-10 Hz range and complementing existing laser interferometers like LISA.

Contribution

This paper introduces a novel atom interferometry-based gravitational-wave detection scheme for space, filling a detection gap between current ground and space detectors.

Findings

Strain sensitivity below 10^{-20}/√Hz in 100 mHz-10 Hz range

Utilizes Sagnac effect with atomic matter-wave interferometry

Complementary to existing space-based detectors like LISA

Abstract

We propose a space-borne gravitational-wave detection scheme, called atom interferometric gravitational-wave space observatory (AIGSO). It is motivated by the progress in the atomic matter-wave interferometry, which solely utilizes the standing light waves to split, deflect and recombine the atomic beam. Our scheme consists of three drag-free satellites orbiting the Earth. The phase shift of AIGSO is dominated by the Sagnac effect of gravitational-waves, which is proportional to the area enclosed by the atom interferometer, the frequency and amplitude of gravitational-waves. The scheme has a strain sensitivity $< 10^{-20}/\sqrt{{\rm Hz}}$ in the 100 mHz-10 Hz frequency range, which fills in the detection gap between space-based and ground-based laser interferometric detectors. Thus, our proposed AIGSO can be a good complementary detection scheme to the space-borne laser interferometric schemes, such as LISA. Considering the current status of relevant technology readiness, we expect our AIGSO to be a promising candidate for the future space-based gravitational-wave detection plan.