The aim of this book is to become THE reference text for gravitational-wave physics, covering in detail both the experimental and the theoretical aspects. It is he only existing book on gravitational waves, and it will likely remain unique for its broadeness and scope. It brings the reader to the forefront of present-day research, both theoretical and experimental, assuming no previous knowledge of

gravitational-wave physics.

Part I of this volume is devoted to the theory of gravitational waves. Here we have rederived - in a coherent way - most of the results that we present, clarifying or streamlining existing derivations.

Part II is devoted to a description of experimental GW physics. We discuss in great detail exisiting and planned experiments, as well as

data analysis techniques.

Table of Contents

Part I: Gravitational-wave theory

1 The geometric approach to GWs

2 The field-theoretical approach to GWs

3 Generation of GWs in linearized theory

4 Applications

5 GW generation by post-Newtonian sources

6 Experimental observation of GW emission in compact binaries

Part II: Gravitational-wave experiments

7 Data analysis techniques

8 Resonant-mass detectors

9 Interferometers

Review

"The book covers a staggering breadth of material and is extremely useful as a bird's-eye overview of the field... From now on I will recommend it as the best entry point for students who want to join this blooming research field" -- Emanuele Berti, Physics Today

Book Description

The reference text for gravitational-wave physics,covering in detail both the experimental and the theoretical aspects.

About the Author

Prof. Michele Maggiore

Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Geneva Born in 1963, Michele Maggiore has graduated from University of Pisa in 1986, and has got his PhD from Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, in 1989. After postdoctoral positions in Bern and at University of Minnesota he became researcher at INFN in Pisa in 1991. Since 2001 he is Professeur Ordinaire (Professor) at the Dept. of Theoretical Physics, University of Geneva.

His research interests cover a broad range of subjects, including quantum field theory, quantum gravity, cosmology, string theory, and the study of gravitational waves of astrophysical or cosmological origin. He is also involved in experimental effors for gravitational wave detection.