View source for Template:Gravitational wave observatory principle.svg

[[File:gravitational_wave_observatory_principle.svg|thumb|{{{1|upright}}}|Simplified operation of a gravitational wave observatory
<div style="font-size:80%">'''Figure 1''': A beamsplitter (green line) splits coherent light (from the white box) into two beams which reflect off the mirrors (cyan oblongs); only one outgoing and reflected beam in each arm is shown, and separated for clarity. The reflected beams recombine and an interference pattern is detected (purple circle).</div>
<div style="font-size:80%">'''Figure 2''': A gravitational wave passing over the left arm (yellow) changes its length and thus the interference pattern.</div>]]<noinclude>
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