The objective of this two-year U.S.-China research project on gravitational radiation between Peter Michelson, Stanford University and Enke Hu of Zhongshan University is to coordinate experiments to detect gravity waves between existing detectors at Stanford and Zhongshan University. The ultimate objective is to establish the existence of gravitational radiation, a fundamental form of energy, whose existence was predicted by Einstein and others over sixty years ago. The investigators will continue collaboration that began two years ago under the U.S.-China Program. They propose to carryout a long-term (one-year) coincidence observation with existing detectors, work on improving technology of cryogenic (cold temperature) detectors and begin a feasiblity study of a low frequency gravity wave detector. The establishment of a detector in Southeast China is signi icant for this international experimental effort since it is essential for the successful detection of gravity waves that geographically dispersed detectors be used to establish simultaneous coincidences. The establishmen of a base in Southeast China fills a geographical gap in the worldwide detector network. Results from the coincidental experiment are expected to contribute to the advancement of detector technology as well. This project fulfills the U.S.-China Program's objective of promoting mutually beneficial research to advance scientific knowledge through the combined efforts and abilities of American and Chinese scientists.
