Cat-Flap Pendulum

Scientists from the University of Western Australia (UWA) have devised a new technology that may help in identifying gravitational waves throughout the observable universe instead of detecting them a billion light years away.

The technology would allow scientists to detect hundreds of gravity wave events every day. The team behind the technology developed tiny mirrors known as cat-flap pendulums less than a millimeter in size which would be fitted on the existing gravitational wave detectors. The detectors at present could only detect huge tsunami-like waves but the new technology would extend its range by about seven times.

The team which devised the new technology was also involved in producing the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) that recently detected the gravitational waves. “Gravitational wave technology is already being applied to mineral exploration, time standards, quantum computing, precision sensors, ultra-sensitive radars and pollution monitors,”  said Professor David Blair from UWA.