FORTSCHRITTE DER PHYSIK-PROGRESS OF PHYSICS, cilt.74, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
In this work, the interaction of circularly polarized gravitational waves (GWs) with electromagnetic (EM) fields. Circular perturbations of spacetime are assumed and the perturbed Maxwell equations are used as the starting point for all governing relations. Within this framework, modified evolution equations for the electric and magnetic fields, charge density, and the EM stress-energy tensor are derived. The results show that the GW amplitude h(c) plays a central role. It determines the strength of oscillations in the charge density, controls the redistribution of stored EM energy, and modifies the flux of energy through both electric and magnetic sectors. The charge density acquires synchronized oscillations with the GW, while circular polarization produces a helical modulation pattern that directly reflects the GW helicity. The electric and magnetic fields show both static amplifications and oscillatory modulations, and the energy flux exhibits variations that depend on polarization. As h(c) increases, the deviations from the unperturbed fields become more pronounced, leading to enhanced oscillations, stronger non-linear growth, and richer sideband structures in polarization dynamics. In general, this study provides a consistent and extended framework for understanding how GWs leave signatures on EM systems. The results suggest that even weak GWs imprint detectable modulations, while stronger perturbations reshape EM energy flow in a distinctive way. Such GW and EM couplings open up complementary possibilities for probing spacetime perturbations, with relevance to both astrophysical environments and controlled laboratory experiments designed for precision measurements.