In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Physical Review Letters, researchers propose a novel method for detecting gravitational waves, utilizing superconducting magnets. This innovative approach could revolutionize our understanding of the universe by opening up a new frequency range for observation.
Inspired by the early work of Joseph Weber, who attempted to detect gravitational waves using metal cylinders, the new method employs superconducting magnets. These magnets, already used in dark matter experiments, possess immense magnetic energy and can respond to gravitational waves across a broad frequency spectrum.
When a gravitational wave passes through a superconducting magnet, it causes subtle vibrations that deform the device and alter its magnetic field. These minute changes can be detected by advanced sensors called SQUIDs, offering a more efficient and less noisy method compared to previous techniques. This could lead to the discovery of previously unknown astrophysical events.