Towards MIGO, the Matter-wave Interferometric Gravitational-wave Observatory, and the Intersection of Quantum Mechanics with General Relativity

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of matter-wave interferometers (MIGOs) as compact, sensitive detectors of gravitational waves, bridging quantum mechanics and general relativity through innovative detection methods.

Contribution

It introduces novel MIGO designs using atomic beams for gravitational wave detection, highlighting their advantages over existing detectors and discussing their theoretical significance.

Findings

MIGOs can have sensitivities comparable to LIGO and LISA.

MIGOs are significantly smaller in size than traditional detectors.

MIGOs offer wider bandwidths for gravitational wave detection.

Abstract

A dynamical, non-Euclidean spacetime geometry in general relativity theory implies the possibility of gravitational radiation. Here we explore novel methods of detecting such radiation from astrophysical sources by means of matter-wave interferometers (MIGOs), using atomic beams emanating from supersonic atomic sources that are further cooled and collimated by means of optical molasses. While the sensitivities of such MIGOs compare favorably with LIGO and LISA, the sizes of MIGOs can be orders of magnitude smaller, and their bandwidths wider. Using a pedagogical approach, we place this problem into the broader context of problems at the intersection of quantum mechanics with general relativity.