The Exact Amplitudes of Six Polarization Modes for Gravitational Waves

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive formalism for the six polarization modes of gravitational waves, applicable across various gravity theories, facilitating direct comparison with interferometer data.

Contribution

It introduces exact formulae for six polarization modes using metric perturbations and Newman-Penrose scalars, applicable to any metric-compatible gravity theory.

Findings

Formalism covers null and non-null geodesic propagation

Enables direct comparison with interferometer observations

Applicable to all metric-compatible gravity theories

Abstract

The formalism of the exact six polarization modes of gravitational waves is constructed in terms of both the small metric perturbations and the Newman-Penrose scalars. The obtained formulae are applicable to any metric-compatible gravity theories whose gravitational waves propagate along either the null or non-null geodesics. Once a gravity theory, specifically its linearized wave equation, is written, comparison to the observed data of the laser interferometer experiments is direct.