Abstract

Using the photoelastic effect in transparent solids to detect stresses induced by a gravitational wave is proposed. The induced birefringence is measured by a polarimeter. The phase difference is amplified by a Fabry-Perot cavity containing the medium. The sensitivity of this optical strain sensor is discussed, and that of the antenna is estimated.

© 1980 Optical Society of America

Laser displacement sensor with application to gravitational radiation detection

M. Weksler, Z. Vager, and G. Neumann
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