noise, such as quantum noise, cannot be theoretically
eliminated because it exists in the form of quantum
radiation pressure noise based on photon technology
(Abbott, et al., 2017). Among other advances, A+ (the
planned advanced LIGO upgrade) will improve
LIGO’s broadband sensitivity by using the technique
of quantum light squeezing to reduce laser phase
noise at high frequencies and radiation pressure noise
at low frequencies (Coleman Miller, & Yunes, 2022).
In addition, the analysis of gravitational wave
signals relies on theoretical models, such as
numerical relativistic simulations (Schmidt, 2021) of
BBH merger. However, these models may not be
entirely accurate, as described in Sec. 4.1, especially
under extreme conditions such as extremely high
densities, strong gravitational fields, etc. The post
Newtonian model is no longer applicable and requires
the use of numerical relativity theory to perform
numerical calculations and analysis using computers,
which can result in numerical errors.
Based on considerations of current limitations,
there have been developments and prospects in recent
years. For example, the outlook for the construction
of a new generation of detectors is that future ground-
based gravitational wave detectors such as Einstein
Telescope and Cosmic Explorer (Abbott, et al., 2017;
Bailes, et al., 2021) (Sensitivity of expected improved
Cosmic Explorer is shown in Fig. 9 compared with
that of Advanced LIGO and several types of noise)
will have higher sensitivity, be able to detect more
distant and weaker gravitational wave signals, and
cover a wider frequency range (Abbott, et al., 2017).
At the same time, in order to obtain a larger
observation frequency band, space probes are being
planned for construction. Space based gravitational
wave detectors (such as LISA, DECIGO, BBO
(Bailes, et al., 2021)) will be able to detect low-
frequency gravitational waves (in the band of mHz to
Hz) and study celestial physical processes such as
supermassive black hole mergers and galaxy
evolution.
Gravitational waves are also a crucial tool for
studying the evolution of the early universe. The Big
Bang model shows how the universe inflated from an
initial state of extremely high density to the universe
we currently inhabit (Ringwald, & Tamarit, 2022). It
successfully traces the history of the universe back to
a fraction of a second after birth, but direct
information about the history of the universe before
the Big Bang nuclear fusion can be obtained through
observations of gravitational waves (Ringwald, &
Tamarit, 2022). Future space probes may be able to
directly detect these signals, providing us with new
clues about the origin and evolution of the universe.
Figure 9. Target sensitivity for a next generation
gravitational-wave detector (Abbott, et al., 2017).
6 CONCLUSIONS
To sum up, this study summarizes the historical
background, basic theoretical formulas, and detection
methods of gravitational wave detection, analyses the
limitations of current technology, and discusses
future research prospects. By detecting gravitational
waves, scientists can study the evolution of galaxies,
the growth mechanism of black holes, and the origin
and early evolution of the universe. Future space
probes and next-generation ground probes will
further enhance the sensitivity of gravitational wave
detection, enabling us to detect signals that are farther
and weaker, thus revealing more mysteries about the
universe. This study provides a comprehensive
summary and introduction for the in-depth
exploration of the field of gravitational waves,
inspiring inspiration for future research.
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