superconducting magnets gravitational wave detectors

Superconducting Magnets Could Detect Gravitational Waves in Unexplored Frequency Bands

Superconducting Magnets as Gravitational Wave Detectors

New findings reported in Physical Review Letters propose that superconducting magnets, typically employed in dark matter detection, could serve as exquisitely sensitive gravitational wave detectors—paving the way for exploring a previously inaccessible frequency band.

Revisiting the Weber Bar Concept

This idea builds upon the original Weber bar design of the 1960s, wherein Joseph Weber suggested detecting gravitational waves via the mechanical resonance of large metal cylinders.

While Weber's method proved effective at specific resonant frequencies, it suffered from diminished sensitivity beyond those limited ranges.

This research builds upon the concept, revealing that DC magnets may act as magnetic Weber bars capable of sensing gravitational waves within the kilohertz to megahertz band.

Expert Insights and Research Collaboration

Publishing website interviewed Dr. Sebastian Ellis of the University og Geneva, who co-authored the study alongside Valerie Domcke of CERN and Nicholas L. Rodd of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

"What we realized is that although the Weber Bar idea performs admirably when the gravitational wave frequency aligns closely with a resonant mode, it proves far less effective outside that range." Ellis told publishing website. "It's akin to an instrument that plays beautifully in tune, but dreadfully out of key."

Harnessing Magnetic Energy for Detection

This novel magnetic technique tackles the core limitation by harnessing the vast magnetic energy stored within superconducting magnets—far surpassing the electrical energy used in conventional Weber bar readouts.

Exploring How Magnetic Fields Respond to Gravitational Wave Disturbances

The Mechanism Behind the Detection

The detection method is based on an ingenious two-stage interplay between gravitational waves and magnetic fields.

As a gravitational wave traverses a superconducting magnet, it triggers minuscule vibrations throughout the structure, much like the subtle shifts seen in LIGO's mirrors.

"As a gravitational wave traverses the magnet, it sets the entire structure vibrating, much like a mechanical force would," said Ellis.

"This vibration distorts the framework housing the current-carrying wire, thereby giving rise to a magnetic field."

Role of SQUIDs and Electromagnetic Readout

Such deformations give rise to a fluctuating magnetic field, which can be identified through exceptionally sensitive quantum sensors known as SQUIDs.

A pickup loop, functioning as a magnetic antenna and positioned near the end of the magnet, can detect the subtle magnetic fluctuations and convert gravitational wave signals into electromagnetic measurements.

Advantages Over Conventional Techniques

This method presents numerous significant benefits when compared with conventional techniques.

Magnetic Weber bars, unlike their conventional counterparts, generate purely electromagnetic signals without the need for complex mechanical conversion, reducing noise and offering wide-ranging frequency responsiveness.

Employing Dark Matter Experiments in the Search for Gravitational Waves

Researchers have drawn attention to potent magnets designed for axion dark matter investigations, notably DMRadio and the ADMX-EFR initiative.

These experiments employ vast superconducting magnets capable of probing both dark matter and gravitational waves at once.

"The chief merit of the magnets destined for axion dark matter experiments lies in their immense magnetic energy—they boast strong fields and considerable size," Ellis remarked.

"As we noted in our publication, it is the electromagnetic energy that chiefly governs the off-resonance sensitivity of a Weber bar—be it magnetic or conventional."

Sensitivity Compared to LIGO

According to the researchers, the sensitivity of these MRI magnets may not quite match LIGO at its best, yet they span a far more extensive frequency range, from a few kilohertz to nearly 10 megahertz.

Importantly, the system would exhibit superior sensitivity to LIGO above a few kilohertz, effectively carving out a new observational frequency band.

Expanding Our Cosmic Outlook

This frequency band remains largely unexplored within the realm of gravitational wave astronomy.

The study stemmed from the realization that current and forthcoming axion experiments already featured ideal infrastructure for detecting gravitational waves.

"It occurred to us that the sizable magnets employed in axion research—both ongoing and planned —might also serve in gravitational wave searches," said Ellis.

"We were hopeful that detecting two signals, rather than just one, would bolster the scientific justification for conducting these experiments."

Technical Challenges and Future Directions

Turning this concept into a functioning detector will demand surmounting notable technical challenges—chief among them, shielding the apparatus from ambient vibrations that could imitate gravitational wave signals.

"The apparatus must be exceptionally well shielded from ambient vibrations," Ellis remarked.

"This necessity closely mirrors the challenges encountered by LIGO and classical Weber Bars like the 2-tonne AURIGA. Their success in isolating these instruments gives us cause for optimism."

Toward Enhanced Sensitivity and Broader Collaboration

The researchers are broadening their collaborative efforts and focusing on particular gravitational wave signatures detectable by functioning magnetic Weber bars. They are also investigating cutting-edge quantum sensors beyond SQUIDs to boost sensitivity.

Source

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