Study of Characteristic Properties of Gravitational Waves & it’s Detection using Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity & Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO)

Abstract

In this research paper, we have investigated the dependence of power radiated, energy flux and chirp mass of gravitational waves on binary system and orbital decay in the space by applying the Einstein General theory of relativity based on gravitational wave detection technique. The direct detection of gravitational waves, predicted by Einstein’s theory of General Relativity, marks a revolutionary advancement in our understanding of the universe. The core of this research paper examines the mechanics of Laser interferometry used by LIGO to detect these minuscule distortions in space time caused by cataclysmic astrophysical events such as binary black hole mergers and neutron star collisions. It is found that for lower values of chirp mass, the decay rate is significantly less pronounced, suggesting that systems with lower masses will experience slower orbital decay. Conversely, higher chirp masses lead to more rapid decay, which is critical in the context of observable gravitational waves, especially for massive binary systems like black hole mergers. It has also been observed that the higher chirp masses lead to more rapid decay, which is critical in the context of observable gravitational waves, especially for massive binary systems like black hole mergers. This research also analyzes that how gravitational waves effect other celestial bodies and also after merging or colliding what will going to the dynamics of that celestial bodies.

Introduction

Gravitational wave astronomy, rooted in Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, represents a major breakthrough in understanding the universe. Predicted over a century ago, gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by massive accelerating objects like merging black holes or neutron stars. While initial indirect evidence came from the Hulse-Taylor binary pulsar in the 1970s, direct detection was only achieved in 2015 by LIGO, confirming Einstein’s predictions and opening a new era of astrophysics.

General Relativity describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime, with gravitational waves propagating at the speed of light as tiny distortions. These waves interact weakly with matter, making detection extremely challenging but enabling them to travel vast cosmic distances without distortion. LIGO detects these waves using laser interferometry, measuring minute changes in the distance between mirrors caused by passing gravitational waves.

This field promises to deepen our understanding of cosmic events and test fundamental physics, complementing traditional astronomy and potentially transforming our knowledge of the universe.

Conclusion

In this research, we explored the detection of gravitational waves, a groundbreaking consequence of Einstein\'s General Theory of Relativity, through the advanced technology of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). Our investigation highlighted how gravitational waves, generated by catastrophic cosmic events such as binary black hole mergers and neutron star collisions, carry invaluable information about the nature of the universe. By utilizing LIGO\'s sensitive interferometric techniques, we demonstrated the effectiveness of detecting minute ripples in spacetime caused by these astronomical phenomena. We examined the theoretical foundations underpinning gravitational wave generation, propagation, and the crucial role of chirp mass in determining signal characteristics. The analysis included simulations of orbital dynamics, revealing how the interplay of mass and distance influences detectable signals. Our findings affirm that LIGO not only enhances our understanding of general relativity but also opens new avenues for astrophysical research, allowing scientists to probe the cosmos with unprecedented precision. This work contributes to the evolving field of gravitational wave astronomy, establishing a foundation for future investigations into the fabric of spacetime and the fundamental processes governing the universe\'s most energetic events. The implications extend beyond astrophysics, potentially influencing diverse fields such as fundamental physics and cosmology.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Satyam Yadav, Dr. M. K. Maurya. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.