548 research outputs found
Using generalized PowerFlux methods to estimate the parameters of periodic gravitational waves
We investigate methods to estimate the parameters of the gravitational-wave
signal from a spinning neutron star using Fourier transformed segments of the
strain response from an interferometric detector. Estimating the parameters
from the power, we find generalizations of the PowerFlux method. Using
simulated elliptically polarized signals injected into Gaussian noise, we apply
the generalized methods to estimate the squared amplitudes of the plus and
cross polarizations (and, in the most general case, the polarization angle),
and test the relative detection efficiencies of the various methods.Comment: 8 pages, presented at Amalid7, Sydney, Australia (July 2007), fixed
minor typos and clarified discussion to match published CQG version; updated
reference
Gravitational waves from Sco X-1: A comparison of search methods and prospects for detection with advanced detectors
The low-mass X-ray binary Scorpius X-1 (Sco X-1) is potentially the most
luminous source of continuous gravitational-wave radiation for interferometers
such as LIGO and Virgo. For low-mass X-ray binaries this radiation would be
sustained by active accretion of matter from its binary companion. With the
Advanced Detector Era fast approaching, work is underway to develop an array of
robust tools for maximizing the science and detection potential of Sco X-1. We
describe the plans and progress of a project designed to compare the numerous
independent search algorithms currently available. We employ a mock-data
challenge in which the search pipelines are tested for their relative
proficiencies in parameter estimation, computational efficiency, robust- ness,
and most importantly, search sensitivity. The mock-data challenge data contains
an ensemble of 50 Scorpius X-1 (Sco X-1) type signals, simulated within a
frequency band of 50-1500 Hz. Simulated detector noise was generated assuming
the expected best strain sensitivity of Advanced LIGO and Advanced VIRGO ( Hz). A distribution of signal amplitudes was then
chosen so as to allow a useful comparison of search methodologies. A factor of
2 in strain separates the quietest detected signal, at
strain, from the torque-balance limit at a spin frequency of 300 Hz, although
this limit could range from (25 Hz) to (750 Hz) depending on the unknown frequency of Sco X-1. With future
improvements to the search algorithms and using advanced detector data, our
expectations for probing below the theoretical torque-balance strain limit are
optimistic.Comment: 33 pages, 11 figure
First search for gravitational waves from the youngest known neutron star
We present a search for periodic gravitational waves from the neutron star in the supernova remnant Cassiopeia
A. The search coherently analyzes data in a 12 day interval taken from the fifth science run of the Laser
Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory. It searches gravitational-wave frequencies from 100 to 300 Hz
and covers a wide range of first and second frequency derivatives appropriate for the age of the remnant and
for different spin-down mechanisms. No gravitational-wave signal was detected. Within the range of search
frequencies, we set 95% confidence upper limits of (0.7–1.2) × 10^(−24) on the intrinsic gravitational-wave
strain, (0.4–4) × 10^(−4) on the equatorial ellipticity of the neutron star, and 0.005–0.14 on the amplitude of
r-mode oscillations of the neutron star. These direct upper limits beat indirect limits derived from energy
conservation and enter the range of theoretical predictions involving crystalline exotic matter or runaway r-modes.
This paper is also the first gravitational-wave search to present upper limits on the r-mode amplitude
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