# Gravitational Wave Detector

Interactive visualization of a laser interferometer gravitational wave detector: watch how spacetime ripples from merging black holes stretch and squeeze the detector arms, producing an interference signal

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/visualizations/gravitational-wave-detector

- **Category:** Physics

## Overview

Interactive visualization of a laser interferometer gravitational wave detector (LIGO). Michelson interferometer schematic shows beam splitter, mirrors, and photodetector with arms alternately stretching (red) and compressing (blue) as gravitational waves pass. Phase shift Δφ = 4πhL/λ where h~10⁻²¹, L=4km, λ=1064nm. Four signal sources: Chirp (binary inspiral with increasing frequency), Sine (monochromatic), Merger (full coalescence: inspiral+merger+ringdown), Noise Only. Real-time spacetime strain h(t) plot, detector output with seismic/thermal/shot noise overlay, and low-pass filtered signal. Adjustable parameters: GW frequency (10-300 Hz), strain amplitude (10⁻²² to 10⁻¹⁹), arm length (1-10 km). Detector status: differential length ΔL in attometers, SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), phase shift. Educational content covers gravitational wave theory (GW150914, Einstein 1916), LIGO interferometer detection (Fabry-Pérot cavities, noise sources), and applications (multi-messenger astronomy, GW170817, 2017 Nobel Prize). Multi-language support (zh, en, es, fr, de, ru, pt).

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