Gravitational Wave Detectors Using Laser Interferometers and Optical Cavities: Ideas, Principles and Prospects

Abstract

In these two lectures we will discuss principles underlying the development of some laser interferometer gravitational radiation detectors, some of the techniques being devised to overcome the many experimental problems, and results obtained so far in experimental work at the University of Glasgow and the California Institute of Technology. We also hope to give some indication about possible long-term prospects, as well as presenting some new ideas bearing on these problems.