Search for Scalar Polarization Gravitational Waves

Abstract

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) successfully discovered tensor polarization gravitational waves a few years ago; these waves are predicted by Einsteins General Theory of Relativity. My research was to determine if the sensitivity of the interferometers in use today is sufficient enough to detect another, weaker type of gravitational waves (not theorized by general relativity): scalar polarization. I determined, by running detection efficiencies for various simulated signals, that additional interferometers will be needed if a comprehensive search for scalar gravitational waves is to be conducted.