Fast Radio Bursts signal high-frequency gravitational waves

Abstract

There is growing evidence for high-frequency gravitational waves (HFGWs) ranging from MHz to GHz. Several HFGW detectors have been operating for over a decade, and two GHz events have been reported recently. However, a confirmed detection might take a decade. This essay argues that unexplained observed astrophysical phenomena, like Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), might provide indirect evidence for HFGWs. In particular, using the Gertsenshtein-Zel${}^{\prime }$dovich effect, we show that our model can explain three key features of FRBs: generate peak-flux up to $1000\mathrm{Jy}$, naturally explain the pulse width and the coherent nature of FRBs. In short, our model offers a novel perspective on the indirection detection of HFGWs beyond current detection capabilities. Thus, transient events like FRBs are a rich source for multi-messenger astronomy.

Received Honourable mention in Gravity Research Foundation essay competition-2023. Matches the published version. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2202.00032

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