Will eLISA have the potential to detect early universe GWs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the potential of the eLISA (evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) to detect gravitational waves (GWs) from the early universe. Participants explore the implications of eLISA's design sensitivity and its ability to differentiate between various gravitational wave backgrounds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that eLISA should be able to measure the overall background of gravitational waves in the universe, contingent on reaching its design sensitivity and effectively separating background signals.
  • There is a question regarding the nature of the background signals, specifically whether they arise from quantum fluctuations or classical phenomena from the early universe, indicating a need for clarity on terminology used to distinguish these types of gravitational waves.
  • One participant references a document suggesting that scientists may be pursuing more ambitious goals related to gravitational wave detection, though the specifics of this ambition are not detailed in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that eLISA has the potential to detect early universe gravitational waves, but there is uncertainty regarding the specifics of the signals and the definitions involved. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of the gravitational waves and the effectiveness of eLISA in distinguishing them.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on eLISA reaching its design sensitivity and the unresolved definitions of early universe gravitational waves versus background signals.

binbagsss
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Will eLISA have the potential to detect early universe gws?
 
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Gravitational waves from the early universe? The short answer is yes. It should, to some extent, be able to measure the overall background of gravitational waves in the universe. Provided it reaches its design sensitivity and the background signals can be effectively separated from the gravitational wave background.
 
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Chalnoth said:
Gravitational waves from the early universe? The short answer is yes. It should, to some extent, be able to measure the overall background of gravitational waves in the universe. Provided it reaches its design sensitivity and the background signals can be effectively separated from the gravitational wave background.

the background signals being the stochastic background arising from quantum fluctuations?; modeled by quantum states and early universe gravitational waves refers to classical phenomena producing gravitational waves, but that occurred in the early universe? Or what are the usual terms used to distinguish early universe gravitational waves

many thanks
 

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