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.