Overview
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Explore a captivating lecture on the groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves and their impact on modern science. Delve into Einstein's predictions, the decades-long controversy surrounding their existence, and the remarkable technological advancements that led to their detection. Learn about the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) and its revolutionary observations of gravitational waves from colliding black holes and binary neutron stars. Discover the historical context, experimental techniques, and profound scientific implications of this new window into the universe. Gain insights into topics such as Newton's Universal Gravity, Mercury's orbit, the wave equation, experimental challenges, LIGO's design and sensitivity, black hole mergers, and the emergence of multi-messenger astronomy.
Syllabus
Introduction
Newtons Universal Gravity
Mercury and the Sun
Gravitational Waves
The Wave Equation
Collisions
Quadrupole Moment
Experimentation
Experimental Challenges
Implementation
Detectors
Big vats
Limitations
High vacuum
Quantum noise problem
Design sensitivity
Isolation from the earth
Sensitivity
Improved LIGO
LIGO Signals
Black Hole Merger
Chirp Mass
Testing General Relativity
Black Holes
Mass Mergers
Fermi Satellite
Interferometer
Multi Messenger Astronomy
Taught by
APS Physics