TAPIR Seminar

In person: 370 Cahill. To Join via Zoom: 851 0756 7442

Abstract: Gravitational waves are traditionally detected through timing or interferometric measurements, but they also induce observable distortions in photon propagation. In this talk, I discuss alternative probes of gravitational waves based on angular deflections and shape distortions, focusing on astrometry and weak lensing surveys. I will present ongoing efforts within our group to explore astrometric detection using Kepler data, highlighting both the potential of high-cadence observations and the challenges posed by instrumental systematics. In particular, I will discuss the role of differential velocity aberration as the dominant systematic and show how controlled simulations can be used to understand its impact on the signal.I will then describe my recent work on gravitational-wave-induced weak lensing, focusing on how the sensitivity of shear measurements is determined by survey characteristics and source properties, including the distribution of galaxy angular sizes. Finally, I will outline how combining timing, astrometry, and lensing measurements can enable a multi-probe approach to gravitational-wave detection.