Gravitational wave detection via photon-graviton scattering and quantum interference

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum field-theoretic approach to gravitational wave detection using photon-graviton scattering and quantum interference, proposing a scheme based on Hong-Ou-Mandel interference to detect GWs via quantum phase shifts.

Contribution

It presents a novel quantum detection scheme for gravitational waves that leverages photon-graviton interactions and quantum interference effects, extending traditional methods.

Findings

Photon-graviton scattering causes measurable phase shifts.

GW signals modulate photon coincidence rates.

The method recovers classical responses in the macroscopic limit.

Abstract

We present a fully quantum field-theoretic framework for gravitational wave (GW) detection in which the interaction is described as photon-graviton scattering. In this picture, the GW acts as a coherent background that induces inelastic energy exchanges with the electromagnetic field - analogous to the Stokes and anti-Stokes shifts in Raman spectroscopy. We propose a detection scheme sensitive to this microscopic mechanism based on Hong-Ou-Mandel interference. We show that the scattering-induced phase shifts render frequency-entangled photon pairs distinguishable, spoiling their destructive quantum interference. GW signal is thus encoded in the modulation of photon coincidence rates rather than classical field intensity, offering a complementary quantum probe of the gravitational universe that recovers the standard classical response in the macroscopic limit.