The Laser Gravitational Compass

TL;DR

This paper discusses the requirements for gravitational wave detection using Einstein's gravitational field, emphasizing the need for four non-coplanar mass probes in the Michelson-Morley interferometer within General Relativity.

Contribution

It demonstrates that at least four non-coplanar probes are necessary for gravitational wave detection and suggests converting existing detectors to this configuration.

Findings

Four probes are required for detection within General Relativity.

Fewer probes can be explained by alternative gravitational theories.

Conversion of existing detectors to four probes is feasible.

Abstract

Using the observational properties of Einstein's gravitational field it is shown that a minimum of four non-coplanar mass probes are necessary for the Michelson and Morley interferometer to detect gravitational waves within the context of General Relativity. With fewer probes, some alternative theories of gravitation can also explain the observations. The conversion of the existing gravitational wave detectors to four probes is also suggested.