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arXiv · 2501.18146

Fundamental quantum limits for detecting ultrahigh frequency gravitational waves

Xinyao Guo·Haixing Miao·Zhi-Wei Wang·Huan Yang·Ye-Ling Zhou
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Abstract

The ultrahigh-frequency (above 10 kHz) gravitational waves (GW) window provides a unique opportunity to detect primordial GWs, free from astrophysical foregrounds that dominate lower frequencies. A stochastic GW background in this range is generically predicted from cosmological phase transitions and topological defects associated with grand unification and other ultra-high energy theories. We establish a universal quantum limit framework for various detection schemes, setting a fundamental bound on GW detectability. Our analysis reveals that backgrounds in the kHz-MHz range are in principle observable, whereas higher-frequency signals lie below the quantum limit. These results offer theoretical guidance for future detector designs and open new avenues for probing early universe physics.

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Xinyao Guo, Haixing Miao, Zhi-Wei Wang, Huan Yang, Ye-Ling Zhou. 2025-01-30. Fundamental quantum limits for detecting ultrahigh frequency gravitational waves. https://doi.org/10.1103/2w9f-yy8g

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