How to find black holes with lasers: Dr Andreas Freise
Channel: Institute of Physics
Date: 09/08/2013

In 1916, Einstein -- as a consequence of his new theory of gravity -- predicted 
the existence of gravitational radiation (ripples in the fabric of space--time 
that propagate at the speed of light). 

Today, the hunt for such gravitational waves has sparked a new field of fundamental and instrumental science, using kilometre-sized telescopes that exploit laser technology. 

These new instruments are now in operation and close to observing Einstein's prediction for the very first time. 

The observation of gravitational waves has the potential to change dramatically our understanding of the universe; we will be able to "hear" some of the most violent events in cosmic history, including black holes colliding in the centre of galaxies and the first fraction of a second after the Big Bang.