Testing Vector Gravity with Gravitational Wave Interferometers

Abstract

Recently, the author proposed an alternative vector theory of gravity. To the best of our knowledge, vector gravity also passes available tests of gravity, and, in addition, predicts the correct value of the cosmological constant without free parameters. It is important to find a new feasible test which can distinguish between vector gravity and general relativity and determine whether gravity has a vector or a tensor origin. Here we propose such an experiment based on measurement of propagation direction of gravitational waves relative to the perpendicular arms of a laser interferometer. We show that transverse gravitational wave in vector gravity produces no signal when it propagates in the direction perpendicular to the interferometer plane or along one of the arms. In contrast, general relativistic wave yields no signal when it propagates parallel to the interferometer plane at $45^{\circ }$ angle relative to an interferometer arm. The test can be performed in the nearest years in a joint run of the two LIGO and one Virgo interferometers.