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The seminar on the Physics of Gravitational Waves, led by Prof. Sayan Kar, explored the General Theory of Relativity and its prediction of gravitational waves. It discussed the nature of these waves, their detection by LIGO, and the need for advanced detectors for future research. The seminar highlighted the significance of gravitational waves in understanding the early universe, black hole physics, and testing new theories of gravity.

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3 views2 pages

Project

The seminar on the Physics of Gravitational Waves, led by Prof. Sayan Kar, explored the General Theory of Relativity and its prediction of gravitational waves. It discussed the nature of these waves, their detection by LIGO, and the need for advanced detectors for future research. The seminar highlighted the significance of gravitational waves in understanding the early universe, black hole physics, and testing new theories of gravity.

Uploaded by

ankitsamal701
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Seminar Report On Physics of Gravitational

Waves

RITAM SARDAR
ROLL NUMBER: 425PH2007

SPEAKER: PROF. SAYAN KAR


INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KHARAGPUR

DATE: Wednesday, 21.01.2026


TIME: 04:00 PM – 05:30 PM
MODE: HYBRID

VENUE: MC 224, CONFERENCE HALL,


DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

1. Introduction
The seminar on Physics of Gravitational Waves provided deep insight into the General
Theory of Relativity proposed by Albert Einstein in 1915. An inherent consequence of
General Relativity is the prediction of gravitational waves.

2. General Theory of Relativity


The General Theory of Relativity is an extension of the Special Theory of Relativity
(1905). It was developed by Albert Einstein to describe non-inertial frames of reference.
Later, it was understood as a theory of gravity, where gravity is described as the curvature
of space and time.

3. Concept of Spacetime
“Spacetime tells matter how to move; matter tells spacetime how to curve.” This famous
statement by John Archibald Wheeler explains the fundamental idea of gravity in General
Relativity.

4. Gravitational Waves
Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime created by massive accelerating objects such
as black holes and neutron stars. They are much weaker than electromagnetic waves,
making them difficult to detect.

1
These waves are transverse in nature, similar to electromagnetic waves, and travel at
the speed of light. Unlike electromagnetic waves, gravitational waves cannot be absorbed
or easily blocked, although they can be deflected.

5. Detection by LIGO
Due to their non-absorbing nature, physicists were confident that gravitational waves
could be detected despite their weakness. This was confirmed on September 14, 2015,
when gravitational waves were first detected by LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-
Wave Observatory).

6. Upcoming Detectors
To study gravitational waves more effectively, more advanced detectors are required.
Some of the upcoming detectors include:

• Einstein Telescope

• Cosmic Explorer

• LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna)

7. Future Research
Gravitational waves have significant potential in studying:

• The early universe

• Black hole physics

• Testing new theories of gravity

8. Conclusion
The seminar provided a clear understanding of gravitational waves and their importance
in modern physics, along with the role of advanced detection technologies in future re-
search.

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