Testing the holographic theory

Some of science's most interesting and history-making discoveries have come about through unexpected observations. A case in point is the confirmation of the cosmic microwave background radiation left over from the Big Bang by two physicists who were trying to pinpoint the cause of unexplained radio noise while building an ultra sensitive radio astronomy antenna/receiver.

In the 1970s, the Max Planck Institute and the University of Glasgow began inquiries into the detection of gravitational waves. After the construction of several prototype detectors, the two groups decided, in 1989, to combine their efforts and build a larger detector. Although efforts were stymied for a time due to financial constraints, the group began construction of the GEO600 - a detector with arms 600m in length - in 1995.

The GEO600 has participated in several experiments in coincidence with other gravitation wave detectors in the United States, Japan, and France/Italy. As yet, gravitational waves have not been detected by these experiments.

But here's where things start to get interesting.

The data returned by the GEO600 include an unexplained "noise" that intrigues American physicist Craig Hogan. He's convinced that proof can be found in this data for a holographic underpinning to the universe.

Experiments to be conducted in the coming months will test this idea.

Sources:

Gravitational wave detector in Hannover tests holographic Universe — Can GEO600 hear the quantum noise of spacetime?

Cosmic microwave background radiation

This Holographic Universe

Michael Talbot's book, The Holographic Universe, was my introduction to the concept that the universe we inhabit may be holographic in nature. Published in 1991, it is still a fascinating and accessible look at the metaphysical implications of holographic theory.

Originally a writer of science fiction, Talbot also contributed non-fiction articles to the Village Voice and other publications. He was particularly interested in the nexus of spirituality, the paranormal, anomalous phenomena, and physics.

The Holographic Universe is a good starting point for readers without a background in science, as it provides a popular explanation of the principles behind the holographic theory. The downside is that it, perhaps, is a bit too credulous in regards to the paranormal and spiritual.