Possible detection of high frequency gravitational waves in storage rings: Speculation on future applications

The effects induced by the interaction of gravitational waves (GWs) with ultra-relativistic bunches of particles in storage rings are analysed. Using a system of high precision beam monitors, each individual bunch of particles can be monitored and its oscillations, at relatively high frequencies, measured. The authors speculate on the possible use of storage rings equipped with refined monitors to be used as GW detectors. The noise induced by ground motion at low frequencies limits the possibility to measure any effect for GW frequencies below 100 Hz, where the ground motion spectral power density is too high; however, the level of ground motion noise is low at high frequencies, increasing the signal to noise ratio and the possibility to detect a cosmic background of gravitational radiation. (16 refs).