The quantum optics of gravitational waves

Abstract By utilizing quantum optics techniques, we examine the characteristics of a quantum gravitational wave (GW) signature at interferometers. In particular, we study the problem by analyzing the equations of motion of a GW interacting with an idealized interferometer. Using this method, we reconstruct the classical GW signal from a representation of the quantum version of an almost classical monochromatic wave (a single-mode coherent state), then we discuss the experimental signatures of some specific, more general quantum states. We calculate the observables that could be used at future interferometers to probe possible quantum states carried by the GWs.