Detection of Gravitational Waves using Pulsar Timing for Dummies
Abstract
It is theorized that pulsar timing measurements can be used to directly detect gravitational waves
from supermassive binary black hole systems. We present an approximation of the gravitational wave
amplitude that will appear as a perturbation in the pulsing schedule of a known pulsar. Knowledge
of certain systemic parameters can thus be used to predict the detectability of gravitational waves
from a binary system without specialized knowledge of either pulsar astronomy or the mechanisms
of General Relativity. Both eccentric and highly circularized configurations are considered, as well as
inclined and extreme mass ratio binaries. We further discuss systems that might become detectable
in the near future if predictions for the improvement of pulsar timing sensitivity are accurate.
Description
Franklin and Marshall College Archives, Undergraduate Honors Thesis 2009
Collections
- F&M Theses Collection [322]