Can LIGO Data Replicate the Famous Michealson & Morley Experiment?

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In summary, it may be possible to verify the M&M result at a much higher resolution using existing LIGO data, but this is not currently possible due to events like earthquakes.
  • #1
fizzy
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Would it be possible to duplicate the Michealson & Morely experiment using LIGO data?

Essentially the geometry seems to be the same , so I was wondering whether it would be possible verify the M&M result at a much higher resolution using existing LIGO data or is the stability not designed to work at long enough time scales? Maybe the data is pre-filtered to only keep relatively high frequency data.

Maybe the
 
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  • #2
LIGO is essentially a form of Michelson & Morley experiment. Instead of looking for a continuous ether traveling in a single direction, LIGO is looking for brief (and extremely small) changes in spacetime between the two paths due to the passing of a gravitational wave.

More information on LIGO's Interferometer.
LIGO's interferometer is classified as a Dual Recycled, Fabry-Perot Michelson Interferometer.
 
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  • #3
yes, I realize that , that is why I asked the question.

The questions is more about the data interferometer than about the interferometer. Since they are focussed on relatively high frequencies , they may have filtered out anything long enough to inform about motion through the ether. I guess that would require very low frequencies 0.16 per hour max. preferable one per day.

I suspect the machine has not been designed to provide that kind of stability.
 
  • #4
There is no need to build a more accurate MM experiment. The few people who are not convinced by the existing data will not be convinced by this.

Running LIGO for a year continuously, because of events like earthquakes, is impossible. There used to be problems with Earth tides as well, I don't know if these were solved or not. They are more predictable.

So, it's both impossible and unnecessary, which explains why it doesn't happen.
 
  • #5
It is not a case of convincing anyone who is not convinced. MM proved that there was not a detectable effect within the limits of their apparatus. Anyone who is "convinced" of more than that is not being scientific.

IIRC, MM was only a couple of meters long on each leg. If LIGO is capable of adding a couple of orders of magnitude to what was done over 100y ago , it would be interesting. But maybe it is not possible within the constraints of an earthbound system.
 
  • #6
fizzy said:
It is not a case of convincing anyone who is not convinced. MM proved that there was not a detectable effect within the limits of their apparatus. Anyone who is "convinced" of more than that is not being scientific.

IIRC, MM was only a couple of meters long on each leg. If LIGO is capable of adding a couple of orders of magnitude to what was done over 100y ago , it would be interesting. But maybe it is not possible within the constraints of an earthbound system.
I'm quite sure Vanadium meant what he wrote - that is the existing data, all of it, and not just the original M&M experiment.
See here:
http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/experiments.html#round-trip_tests
 
  • #7
Thanks Bandersnatch, nice resume.
 

1. What is Michealson & Morley on LIGO?

Michealson & Morley on LIGO refers to the famous experiment conducted by Albert A. Michealson and Edward W. Morley in 1887 to measure the speed of light. LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) is a modern-day version of their experiment that uses laser interferometry to detect gravitational waves.

2. Why is the Michealson & Morley on LIGO experiment important?

The Michealson & Morley on LIGO experiment was important because it disproved the existence of the "luminiferous ether," a medium believed to be responsible for propagating light waves. This led to the development of the theory of special relativity by Albert Einstein, which revolutionized our understanding of space and time.

3. How does LIGO use laser interferometry to detect gravitational waves?

LIGO uses a laser beam split into two perpendicular arms that are each several kilometers long. When a gravitational wave passes through the detector, it causes tiny fluctuations in the distance between the arms, which are then detected by the interference pattern of the laser light when it is recombined. This allows LIGO to detect even the smallest of gravitational waves.

4. What have been the major discoveries made by LIGO based on the Michealson & Morley experiment?

LIGO has made several groundbreaking discoveries based on the Michealson & Morley experiment. In 2015, it detected the first ever gravitational wave, confirming Einstein's theory of general relativity. In 2017, it detected the collision of two neutron stars, which provided evidence for the origins of heavy elements in the universe. In 2019, it detected the most massive and distant black hole collision ever observed.

5. How does the Michealson & Morley experiment continue to impact modern-day science and technology?

The Michealson & Morley experiment paved the way for modern-day advancements in physics and technology. It led to the development of the theory of special relativity, which has been crucial in our understanding of the universe. The concept of laser interferometry, first used in the experiment, has also been applied in various fields such as telecommunications and precision measurement devices.

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