Overview of gravitational waves: Formation, polarization and detection

Abstract Gravitational waves (GWs) are reliable for proving general relativities. Also, they can be used in detecting physics phenomena in the universe. Motions of bodies make spacetime curved, and then gravitational waves are formed. Additionally, GWs can be produced in the early universe. A mathematical description of gravitational waves derived using linearized theory and transverse-traceless gauge shows GWs polarizations and the relationship between perturbation and strain. GW signal was first detected in the binary system PSR1913+16. Data presented an orbital decay, which followed general relativity’s prediction. Direct detections today, designed according to GWs properties, are carried out by resonant detectors, interferometers, and pulsar timing arrays. Noise reduction is a key to accurate detection. Furthermore, analyzing the B-mode cosmic microwave background can be used in detecting primordial gravitational waves.