Gravitational wave detection with high frequency phonon trapping acoustic cavities

Abstract

There are a number of theoretical predictions for astrophysical and cosmological objects, which emit high frequency (10 6 −10 9 Hz) Gravitation Waves (GW) or contribute somehow to the stochastic high frequency GW background. Here we propose a new sensitive detector in this frequency band, which is based on existing cryogenic ultra-high quality factor quartz Bulk Acoustic Wave cavity technology, coupled to near-quantum-limited SQUID amplifiers at 20 mK. We show that spectral strain sensitivities reaching 10 −22 per √ Hz per mode is possible, which in principle can cover the frequency range with multiple (> 100) modes with quality factors varying between 10 6 − 10 10 allowing wide bandwidth detection. Due to its compactness and well established manufacturing process, the system is easily scalable into arrays and distributed networks that can also impact the overall sensitivity and introduce coincidence analysis to ensure no false detections.

Frequency spectrum of an optical resonator in a curved spacetime

“…For example, the frequency spectrum of a resonator depends on its dimensions and hence knowledge of the precise values of these dimensions is of utmost importance. Cases in which the effects of gravitational fields and acceleration must be considered include those in which the gravitational field is to be measured, such as in proposals for the measurement of gravitational waves with electromagnetic cavity resonators [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] or other extended matter systems [8][9][10][11][12][13][14], tests of GR [15,16] or the expansion of the universe [17,18]. Other situations are those in which the metrological system is significantly accelerated [19][20][21].…”

Primordial gravitational waves in running vacuum cosmologies

“…1b and 2b). Although far exceeding the frequencies (and sensitivity) of the existing GW detectors in ground-based experiments and space-based successors like LISA, new kinds of interferometers and detectors operating in a frequency range high enough to test primordial GW have been discussed in the recent literature [43](see also [44,45]). The high frequency behavior shows that the model is not only distinguishable from abrupt inflationary scenario but can also provide a crucial test for the underlying mechanism as predicted in some multi-field inflationary models [35].…”

A new method of probing mechanical losses of coatings at cryogenic temperatures

“…With the recent development in cryogenic quartz technology with its exceptional quality factors [4,5], new application areas have emerged [6]. In particular, BAW acoustic devices are proposed as a platform to probe the Lorentz Invariance in the matter sector [7], high frequency gravity wave detection [8], links between gravity and quantum mechanics [9], quantum information manipulation [10], and it might be sensitive to particular types of dark matter [11]. In this work, we propose a new application of the quartz BAW technology to measurements of losses in coatings of crystalline solids and estimation of quality of corresponding deposition processes.…”