The Coupling of a Linearized Gravitational Wave to Electromagnetic Fields and Relevant Noise Issues

TL;DR

This paper explores how linearized gravitational waves interact with electromagnetic fields, revealing potential new detection methods for high-frequency GWs and discussing associated noise challenges.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel coupling mechanism between gravitational waves and electromagnetic fields that could enhance high-frequency GW detection.

Findings

Unique photon flux along the electric field direction of the Gaussian beam.

Potential for larger detection space for GHz band gravitational waves.

Discussion of noise issues relevant to the detection method.

Abstract

According to electrodynamical equations in curved spacetime we consider the coupling of a linearized weak gravitational wave (GW) to a Gaussian beam passing through a static magnetic field. It is found that unlike the properties of the "left-circular" and "right-circular" waves of the tangential perturbative photon fluxes in the cylindrical polar coordinates, the resultant effect of the tangential and radial perturbations can produce the unique nonvanishing photon flux propagating along the direction of the electric field of the Gaussian beam. This result might provide a larger detecting space for the high-frequency GWs in GHz band. Moreover, we also discuss the relevant noise issues.