RIST Lecture - 17 at MU :: Detection of Gravitational Waves
Date : 11th March, 2016
INVITATION FOR RIST POPULAR TALK
You are cordially invited to attend the monthly popular talk series organized by the RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RIST), IMPHAL
Topic:
Detection of Gravitational Waves by Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
By
Dr. Irom Ablu Meitei
Department of Physics, Modern College, Imphal
Abstract: Recently Gravitational wave which was predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity (GTR) in 1915, has been discovered by LIGO. Such a great discovery has already created ripples in the scientific community around the globe. This is the main focus of this talk. The speaker will first describe Einstein’s field equations which are nonlinear in nature. Considering a linearised form of the field equations it can be shown that gravitational radiations or waves propagate at the speed of light.
Starting from a metric that differs from the flat Minkowski metric by a small perturbation the Riemann tensor, Ricci tensor, Ricci scalar and Einstein tensor can be determined. By choosing a suitable gauge known as Einstein, de Donder, Hilbert or Fock gauge the vacuum field equations reduce to the standard wave equation for waves travelling at the speed of light. Plane wave solutions for the wave equation show that the gravitational waves possess two polarization states.
A comparison between gravitational waves and electromagnetic waves will be highlighted. Various sources of gravitational waves and detection of gravitational waves with special emphasis to the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) experiment will also be briefly discussed. Implication of gravitational waves in the study of the universe will be discussed.
VENUE & DATE:
SEMINAR HALL, DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS, MANIPUR UNIVERSITY
Friday, the 11th March, 2016 at 2 p.m.
(N. Nimai Singh)
Convener,
RIST monthly popular talk series
* This information is sent by N. Nimai Singh who can be contacted at nimai03(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
This Post is webcasted on March 3 2016
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