Can gravitons be detected?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the detection of gravitons and their interaction with electrons. Participants conclude that while gravitons, if they exist, are unlikely to provide sufficient energy to excite electrons to higher energy levels, the detection of gravitons in principle is possible through advanced experimental setups. The conversation highlights the significant difference in strength between gravitational and electromagnetic forces, emphasizing that the probability of graviton absorption is exceedingly low compared to photon absorption. Furthermore, the discussion references the theoretical framework surrounding gravitons, including quantum field theory and the challenges in establishing a quantum theory of gravity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory
  • Familiarity with gravitational waves and their detection methods
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic force and photon interactions
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics and energy level transitions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "quantum interference effects in gravitation" for experimental setups
  • Explore "Mach-Zehnder interferometer applications in gravity" for potential graviton detection
  • Study "quantum gravity theories" to understand the current scientific landscape
  • Investigate "LIGO and gravitational wave detection" for insights into related technologies
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of gravitation and particle physics will benefit from this discussion.

  • #31
Is the fact that it detects gravitational waves, means that its also stopping it?
 
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  • #32
Josiah said:
Is the fact that it detects gravitational waves, means that its also stopping it?
No.
 
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  • #33
Could you use that information to help come up with an idea of how to stop the gravitational wave?
If the graviton is absorbed/ makes the electrons jump to a different level, does that mean it gets stopped?
 
  • #34
Josiah said:
Could you use that information to help come up with an idea of how to stop the gravitational wave?
If by "stop the gravitational wave" you mean "absorb all its energy", no.

Josiah said:
If the graviton is absorbed/ makes the electrons jump to a different level, does that mean it gets stopped?
A gravitational wave is not just one graviton. Indeed, we don't even know if "graviton" is a correct model of gravitational waves at any level, as I pointed out in post #3 of this thread. We have no evidence of any quantum aspects of gravitational waves and no prospect of getting any any time soon.
 
  • #35
Josiah said:
Could you use that information to help come up with an idea of how to stop the gravitational wave?
If the graviton is absorbed/ makes the electrons jump to a different level, does that mean it gets stopped?
Any gravitational wave detectable on Earth with current technology would consist of an immense number of gravitons:
1768028409368.webp

(https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/438306/can-ligo-be-explained-in-terms-of-gravitons)
Thus, the effect on the overall wave of "blocking" (absorbing) a single graviton would be utterly negligible.
But if you do yearn to fully stop a ##200\,\text{Hz}## gravitational wave carrying ##2\,\text{mW/m}^2## you "merely" need to come up with a clever way to absorb ##10^{28}## gravitons per second per meter-squared!
Good luck with that.
 

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