Thursday, October 16, 2008, 16:00
OSGA E6
E. Coccia, Gran Sasso, ROG, INFN
Abstract:
Direct detection of gravitational waves from astrophysical sources is one of
the great challenges of contemporary experimental physics. Observing
gravitational waves will give unique informations on compact objects (black
holes and neutron stars) and gravitational physics at extreme conditions.
Also, gravitational waves will give a way of investigating processes in the
very early universe which are not observable by means of electromagnetic,
cosmic ray or neutrino signals.
The status of this field of research will be reviewed, with particular
reference to the presently operating large interferometric detectors Virgo
and Ligo, and perspectives with earth based and space detectors will be
reported.