ELFI

A Gravitational Wave Detector for Cosmology


S. Husa, B. Pocza, R. Steinbauer
Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Vienna
Boltzmanng. 5, A-1090 Vienna, AUSTRIA

A. Nairz
Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Innsbruck
Technikerstr. 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA


Abstract

We outline the basic properties of an interferometric gravitational wave detector in space as a tool for cosmology. Main emphasis is put on a frequency range of about $10^{-3}$ to $10^{-5}$Hz where we expect to observe the primordial background of gravitational waves and supermassive black holes. Sufficient sensitivity in this frequency band is obtained by choosing the arm length of the interferometer to be of the order of $1$ AU. The main problem we have to face are distortions due to thermal effects. We propose some strategies to keep the signal to noise ratio in an acceptable range.


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