Gravitons to Photons -- attenuation of gravitational waves

Abstract

In this essay we examine the response of an Unruh-DeWitt detector (a quantum two-level system) to a gravitational wave background. The spectrum of the Unruh-Dewitt detector is of the same form as some scattering processes or three body decays such as muon-electron scattering or muon decay. Based on this similarity we propose that the Unruh-DeWitt detector response implies a "decay" or attenuation of gravitons, $G$, into photons, $γ$, via $G + G \rightarrow γ+ γ$ or $G \rightarrow γ+ γ+ G$. Over large distances such a decay/attenuation may have consequences in regard to the detection of gravitational waves.

8 pages, 0 figures. "Honorable mention" in the 2015 Gravity Research Foundation Essay Contest. Acknowledgment added. Published version