Detection and Generation of Gravitational Waves

Abstract

Methods are proposed for measurement of the Riemann tensor and detection of gravitational waves. These make use of the fact that relative motion of mass points, or strains in a crystal, can be produced by second derivatives of the gravitational fields. The strains in a crystal may result in electric polarization in consequence of the piezoelectric effect. Measurement of voltages then enables certain components of the Riemann tensor to be determined. Mathematical analysis of the limitations is given. Arrangements are presented for search for gravitational radiation.The generation of gravitational waves in the laboratory is discussed. New methods are proposed which employ electrically induced stresses in crystals. These give approximately a seventeen-order increase in radiation over a spinning rod of the same length as the crystal. At the same frequency the crystal gives radiation which is about thirty-nine orders greater than that of a spinning rod.