CRC Press Gravitational Waves (High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation)

Gravitational waves (GWs) are a hot topic and promise to play a central role in astrophysics, cosmology, and theoretical physics. Technological developments have led us to the brink of their direct observation, which could become a reality in the coming years. The direct observation of GWs will open an entirely new field: GW astronomy. This is expected to bring a revolution in our knowledge of the universe by allowing the observation of previously unseen phenomena, such as the coalescence of compact objects (neutron stars and black holes), the fall of stars into supermassive black holes, stellar core collapses, big-bang relics, and the new and unexpected. With a wide range of contributions by leading scientists in the field, Gravitational Waves covers topics such as the basics of GWs, various advanced topics, GW detectors, astrophysics of GW sources, numerical applications, and several recent theoretical developments. The material is written at a level suitable for postgraduate students entering the field. Review .."a useful reference for researchers in the field, and a good introduction for new postgraduates" Classical & Quantum Gravity 18 (2001) "This book provides a comprehensive review of gravitational waves (GW). It includes a wide range of contributions by leading scientists in the field." Zentralblatt, vol. 988" . . . this text gives the impression of a careful, clear and thorough writing which should be of interest for a wide community of physicists, mathematicians, astrophysicists and researchers from other natural sciences . . . In summary, this well-balanced blend of theoretical and experimental, research and survey material bringing together various approaches aspiring to achieve a unified comprehension of the phenomenon of gravitational radiation comprises an authoritative account on the recent progress in gravitational physics and the outstanding mathematical developments it has inspired." Sergey I Tertychniy in Mathematical Reviews "The book constitutes an introduction to the theme of gravitational waves. This subject is of great current interest and the research on it is rapidly developing . . . The book contains excellent material for PhD students that want to enter the field of gravitational waves." Andrzej Krolak in General Relativity & Gravitation, vol. 34, no. 7 seful reference for researchers in the field, and a good introduction for new postgraduates" Classical & Quantum Gravity 18 (2001) "This book provides a comprehensive review of gravitational waves (GW). It includes a wide range of contributions by leading scientists in the field." Zentralblatt, vol. 988" . . . this text gives the impression of a careful, clear and thorough writing which should be of interest for awide community of physicists, mathematicians, astrophysicists and researchers from other natural sciences . . . In summary, this well-balanced blend of theoretical and experimental, research and survey material bringing together various approaches aspiring to achieve a unified comprehension of the phenomenon of gravitational radiation comprises an authoritative account on the recent progress in gravitational physics and the outstanding mathematical developments it has inspired." Sergey I Tertychniy in Mathematical Reviews "The book constitutes an introduction to the theme of gravitational waves. This subject is of great current interest and the research on it is rapidly developing . . . The book contains excellent material for PhD students that want to enter the field of gravitational waves." Andrzej Krolak in General Relativity & Gravitation, vol. 34, no. 7 About the Author Ignazio Ciufolini, Vittorio Gorini , Pietro Fré