GW detectors -- How much has their sensitivity improved since 2008?

In summary, Schutz's second edition of "A First Course in GR" states that the simplicity of the black hole model has allowed for the identification of systems containing black holes through indirect evidence, until gravitational wave detectors become sensitive enough to detect their radiation. However, since the book's publication in 2008, GW detectors have become more sensitive and have been able to detect radiation from black holes. This is evidenced by a list of GW detection events on the Wikipedia page provided.
  • #1
MathematicalPhysicist
Gold Member
4,699
373
According to Schutz's second edition of "A First Course in GR" on page 318:
The simplicity of the black hole model has made it possible to identify systems containing black holes based only on indirect evidence, on their effects on nearby gas and stars. Until gravitational wave detectors become sufficiently sensitive to detect radiation from black holes, this will be the only way to find them.
So to my question.
The book was written in 2008, since then have the GW detectors become sufficiently sensitive to detect radiation from black holes?
What has changed since 2008?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
This Wikipedia page has a nice list of GW detection events:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_gravitational_wave_observations

1631196030266.png
 
  • Like
Likes vanhees71 and MathematicalPhysicist

FAQ: GW detectors -- How much has their sensitivity improved since 2008?

How much has the sensitivity of GW detectors improved since 2008?

The sensitivity of GW detectors has improved significantly since 2008. In fact, the sensitivity has improved by a factor of 10, which means they are now able to detect gravitational waves that are 10 times weaker than before.

What advancements have contributed to the increased sensitivity of GW detectors?

There have been several advancements that have contributed to the increased sensitivity of GW detectors. These include improvements in laser technology, reduction of noise in the detectors, and increased stability of the mirrors.

How does the improved sensitivity of GW detectors impact their ability to detect gravitational waves?

The improved sensitivity of GW detectors allows them to detect weaker gravitational waves, which means they are now able to detect more events and gather more data. This helps scientists to better understand the nature of gravitational waves and their sources.

Has the increased sensitivity of GW detectors led to any new discoveries?

Yes, the increased sensitivity of GW detectors has led to several new discoveries. In 2015, the first direct detection of gravitational waves was made by the Advanced LIGO detectors, which were able to detect signals from the collision of two black holes. This discovery confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity and opened up a new field of astronomy.

Are there any plans for further improvements in the sensitivity of GW detectors?

Yes, there are ongoing efforts to further improve the sensitivity of GW detectors. This includes developing new technologies such as cryogenic mirrors, increasing the power of the lasers, and building larger and more sensitive detectors. These advancements will allow us to detect even weaker gravitational waves and further our understanding of the universe.

Similar threads

I Unruh Radiation and Black Holes
Replies
10
Views
874
B Radiation detector types/physics
Replies
24
Views
2K
I Valentine Monopole & Detector Constructions
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Why can't the interior of a black hole be empty?
Replies
10
Views
2K
I Exploring Gravitational Waves with Earth-Lunar Orbital Perturbations
Replies
1
Views
1K
Detecting matter falling into a Black Hole
3
Replies
85
Views
7K
I What is the temperature dependence of the NIRCam sensor's responsivity?
3
Replies
70
Views
5K
I Two recent tests of loop quantum gravity theory
Replies
15
Views
2K
I Modeling the effects of GW and the "Earth Frame"
2
Replies
66
Views
6K
Is This Description of Falling Into a Black Hole Correct?
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top