Progress in the Development of High Sensitivity Gravitational Radiation Antennas

Abstract

This paper reviews the development of gravitational radiation antennas from the pioneering work of J. Weber during the 1960s to the present day. Major problems stilI to be overcome are outlined,and prospects for the detection of gravitational radiation from astrophysical sources are discussed. Major emphasis is placed on Weber bar antennas, with spacecraft Doppler ranging and laser interferometer antennas discussed briefly. (As this review is intended primarily for non-specialists, no attempt is made to cite all workers in the field.)