PARALLEL BEAM INTERFEROMETRIC DETECTORS OF GRAVITATIONAL-WAVES

We discuss interferometric detection of gravitational waves using mult iple bounce parallel beam systems. We consider as an example the simpl est design that allows us to remove the laser frequency fluctuations, and yet gives a remaining nonzero gravitational wave signal, viz., an antiparallel pair of folded beams. The resultant sensitivity, however, is about B times smaller than the sensitivity of a two-arm Michelson interferometer optimally operating with B reflections, We have calcula ted other, less symmetrical, designs with similar results. Parallel be am interferometric detectors could possibly be preferred for engineeri ng reasons, site availability, and simplicity of response.