Precision Pulsar Timing and its Applications

快速旋转的脉冲星被称为毫秒脉冲星，其周期稳定性可以与最好的地面时钟相媲美。对遍布天空的许多毫秒脉冲星的观测应该可以探测到引力波背景——这可能是第一次直接探测到引力波。它还将能够建立一个独立于而且可能优于地面时钟的长期时间标准。将需要新的分析技术和建立一个国际观测网。研究和应用克服无线电干扰的技术将是该项目的重要组成部分。

The rapidly rotating pulsars known as millisecond pulsars have period stabilities which rival that of the best terrestrial clocks. Observations of many millisecond pulsars spread across the sky should allow detection of the gravitational-wave background - likely to be the first direct detection of gravity waves. It will also enable establishment of a long-term time standard which is independent of and probably superior to that derived from terrestrial clocks. New analysis techniques and establishment of an international observing network will be required. Investigation and application of techniques for overcoming radio interference will be an important part of the project.