Proposal for a novel gravitational-wave sensor

Abstract

We propose new systems for gravitational-wave detection using antennas of the same kind as used in resonance detectors, but giving up the resonance amplification. This, we believe, is possible by driving the impedance transformation to small masses to an extreme. This requires sensors able to measure displacements of extremely small masses. Tunneling appears to us a most promising sensor for this purpose as it allows measuring the displacement of particles as small as single atoms with a resolution comparable to that of other mechanical detectors. Furthermore, we envisage using a new kind of transformer based on superfluid helium. © 1988, American Vacuum Society. All rights reserved.