Gravitational wave science with laser interferometers and pulsar timing
arXiv:1304.0767 · doi:10.1007/s13538-013-0138-x
Abstract
Within this decade gravitational wave detection will open a new observational window on the Universe. Advanced ground based interferometers covering the kHz frequency range will be online by 2016, and it is foreseeable the announcement of a first detection within five years. At the same time, a worldwide effort of detecting low frequency waves (in the nHz regime) by timing ultra-precise millisecond pulsars is rapidly growing, possibly leading to a positive detection within this decade. The mHz regime, bridging these two windows, is the realm of space based interferometers, which might be launched in the late 20s. I provide here a short overview of the scientific payouts of gravitational wave astronomy, focusing the discussion on the low frequency regime (pulsar timing and space based interferometry). A detailed discussion of advanced ground based interferometer can be found in Patrick Brady's contribution to this proceedings series.
10 pages, 1 figure, 1 table, prepared for the Proceedings of the 26th Texas Symposium on Relativistic Astrophysics, Sao Paulo, December 16-20 2012