Search for gravitational waves using a network of RF cavities

Abstract

The concept of detecting gravitational waves using RF-cavities in strong magnetic fields has gained considerable interest, using setups currently running axion searches. We propose a novel analysis approach for detecting GHz-regime gravitational waves, potentially from primordial black hole mergers, through synchronous measurements from multiple, distant cavities. While individual cavities may detect gravitational wave signatures, isolating them from noise is challenging since the strain (and thereby power deposition in a cavity) of such mergers is expected to be very small and short-lived. By correlating signals from several geographically separated cavities, we can significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio and potentially investigate the sources of these waves. A demonstration experiment with a superconducting cavity is currently underway, forming the basis for our data analysis methods and outlining the prospects for the GravNet project. This project should be seen as an effort to bring the axion community together and collaborate in the context of gravitational wave physics.