Low-frequency Gravitational Waves Coupled to Electromagnetic Waves in Material Media

Abstract The influence of low-frequency gravitational waves coupled to electromagnetic waves in material media on test masses is investigated. The propagation of coupled gravitational waves in rarefied gases and cold magnetized plasma is considered. It has been shown that under specific conditions the amplitude of coupled gravitational waves in media reaches values of the order of the amplitude of transverse gravitational waves from external astrophysical sources. The specific properties of longitudinal gravitational waves coupled to electromagnetic waves in a medium are considered in relation to transverse gravitational waves from external sources as well.