Fundamental Physics with LISA

LISA and Gravitational-wave Astronomy

LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a joint NASA-ESA project to detect and study gravitational radiation from astronomical sources. Currently under development, it is being planned for launch around 2011. LISA will open a new astronomical window in the low frequency band between 10-5 and 10-1 Hz. LISA is expected to be able to oberve gravitational waves from known binary star systems, a galactic background of close white-dwarf binaries, compact objects (neutron stars and small black holes) spiralling into massive black holes, and supermassive, inspiralling binary black holes at galactic centers. It will also search for a stochastic background of gravitational waves from the early universe.

LISA and Fundamental Physics

In addition to discovering new astronomical phenomena, LISA may be able to perform tests of fundamental physics, including further tests of Einstein's general relativity, tests of strong-field features of gravity near black holes, possibly even tests of guantum gravity.

This website is designed as a resource for scientists interested in understanding potential for probing fundamental physics using gravitational-wave observations. Although the focus is on LISA, ground-based interferometers and resonant mass detectors inevitably are part of the story.

For a review of testing general relativity using gravitational waves, see Physics Today 52, 38 (Oct.) (1999)