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General relativity and cosmology course
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Module 6
Gravitational Waves
1
Linearized Einstein Equations: Weak-Field Limit
Derive the linearized Einstein equations in the weak-field limit.
2
Gauge Transformations and the TT Gauge
Perform a gauge transformation on the metric perturbation and fix the transverse-traceless (TT) gauge.
3
Gravitational Waves: Plane Wave Solutions and Polarization
Solve the linearized vacuum equations to find plane wave solutions and identify the two polarization states (h+ and hx).
4
Gravitational Waves: Effects on Test Particles
Analyze the effect of a passing gravitational wave on a ring of test particles.
5
The Quadrupole Formula for Radiated Power
Derive the quadrupole formula for the power radiated by a non-relativistic source.
6
Quadrupole Formula: Binary Star Energy Loss
Apply the quadrupole formula to calculate the energy loss from a binary star system.
7
Binary Pulsar Timing & Gravitational Waves
Estimate the orbital decay and gravitational wave signal from a binary system like the Hulse-Taylor pulsar.
8
Gravitational Wave Detection with LIGO/Virgo
Describe the basic principles of gravitational wave detection by laser interferometers (LIGO/Virgo).
Previous module
Rotating Black Holes and Causal Structure
Next module
Cosmology and the Expanding Universe