The confirmation of the existence of gravitational waves was realized in 2015, which was a real breakthrough in astrophysics and the study of the Universe. Until then, space exploration relied only on analyzing electromagnetic radiation.
But is there any use for these waves other than studying black hole collisions and neutron stars colliding with black holes? Turns out they can be used for space communication. It sounds like science fiction for now, as new technologies are needed to realize this type of communication, but the idea is worth considering.
Prospects for gravitational communication
A recent study Gravitational Communication: Fundamentals, State-of-the-Art and Future Vision by scientists at the University of Cambridge analyzes the potential of gravitational-wave communication. They note that gravitational waves open up new possibilities not only in astronomy but also in communications.
Traditional radio communication has limitations: the signal weakens over long distances, and atmospheric and space factors can distort it. But the gravitational-wave communication remains stable at huge distances, does not distort even in extreme conditions and almost does not lose energy with time.
Technological barriers
To implement gravitational-wave communication, scientists must learn how to generate artificial gravitational waves. However, this is an incredibly difficult engineering challenge, as it requires enormous mass or rapid movements to create tangible waves. Even merger waves from supermassive black holes are only detectable with sensitive detectors such as LIGO.
Researchers are looking at different ways to create gravitational waves: mechanical resonance systems, superconducting materials, particle beam collisions and laser technology. However, current materials and technologies do not make it possible yet to create sufficiently powerful waves.
Another problem is the detection of weak high-frequency gravitational waves. Existing detectors are designed to record astrophysical events, so new technologies capable of operating in wider frequency ranges are needed.
Despite the advantages of gravitational-wave communication, there are disadvantages. For example, waves may experience attenuation, phase distortion, or polarization shifts due to interactions with massive objects or the space environment. It is also important to find a way to modulate gravitational waves to transmit meaningful information. Scientists propose using astrophysical phenomena, dark matter or superconducting materials for this purpose. However, each method has its limitations.
Future gravitational communication
Gravitational-wave communication is still hypothetical. Nevertheless, the potential is too great to ignore. At large cosmic distances, radio communication becomes unreliable, and gravitational waves could be a new way of interstellar communication. Scientists are confident that technological advances will allow for a breakthrough in this area.
Scientists emphasize that the study of gravitational communication is just beginning, but is gradually moving from theoretical foundations to practical applications. The development of this technology will require significant effort, but it has the potential to revolutionize space communications.
According to sciencealert.com
