An efficient Matched Filtering Algorithm for the Detection of Continuous Gravitational Wave Signals

We describe an efficient method of matched filtering over long (greater than 1 day) time baselines starting from Fourier transforms of short durations (roughly 30 minutes) of the data stream. This method plays a crucial role in the search algorithm developed by Schutz and Papa for the detection of continuous gravitational waves from pulsars. Also, we discuss the computational cost--saving approximations used in this method, and the resultant performance of the search algorithm.Comment: 4 pages, text only, accepted for publication in the proceedings of the 3rd Amaldi conference on gravitational wave

The Trispectrum in the Effective Field Theory of Large Scale Structure

We compute the connected four point correlation function (the trispectrum in Fourier space) of cosmological density perturbations at one-loop order in Standard Perturbation Theory (SPT) and the Effective Field Theory of Large Scale Structure (EFT of LSS). This paper is a companion to our earlier work on the non-Gaussian covariance of the matter power spectrum, which corresponds to a particular wavenumber configuration of the trispectrum. In the present calculation, we highlight and clarify some of the subtle aspects of the EFT framework that arise at third order in perturbation theory for general wavenumber configurations of the trispectrum. We consistently incorporate vorticity and non-locality in time into the EFT counterterms and lay out a complete basis of building blocks for the stress tensor. We show predictions for the one-loop SPT trispectrum and the EFT contributions, focusing on configurations which have particular relevance for using LSS to constrain primordial non-Gaussianity.Comment: 25+3 pages, 7 figure

How useful is satellite positioning system (GPS) to track gait parameters? A review.

Over the last century, numerous techniques have been developed to analyze the movement of humans while walking and running. The combined use of kinematics and kinetics methods, mainly based on high speed video analysis and forceplate, have permitted a comprehensive description of locomotion process in terms of energetics and biomechanics. While the different phases of a single gait cycle are well understood, there is an increasing interest to know how the neuro-motor system controls gait form stride to stride. Indeed, it was observed that neurodegenerative diseases and aging could impact gait stability and gait parameters steadiness. From both clinical and fundamental research perspectives, there is therefore a need to develop techniques to accurately track gait parameters stride-by-stride over a long period with minimal constraints to patients. In this context, high accuracy satellite positioning can provide an alternative tool to monitor outdoor walking. Indeed, the high-end GPS receivers provide centimeter accuracy positioning with 5-20 Hz sampling rate: this allows the stride-by-stride assessment of a number of basic gait parameters--such as walking speed, step length and step frequency--that can be tracked over several thousand consecutive strides in free-living conditions. Furthermore, long-range correlations and fractal-like pattern was observed in those time series. As compared to other classical methods, GPS seems a promising technology in the field of gait variability analysis. However, relative high complexity and expensiveness--combined with a usability which requires further improvement--remain obstacles to the full development of the GPS technology in human applications

Modulation of a Chirp Gravitational Wave from a Compact Binary due to Gravitational Lensing

A possible wave effect in the gravitational lensing phenomenon is discussed. We consider the interference of two coherent gravitational waves of slightly different frequencies from a compact binary, due to the gravitational lensing by a galaxy halo. This system shows the modulation of the wave amplitude. The lensing probability of such the phenomenon is of order 10^{-5} for a high-z source, but it may be advantageous to the observation due to the magnification of the amplitude.Comment: 3 pages, PRD in pres

Non-Gaussian Covariance of the Matter Power Spectrum in the Effective Field Theory of Large Scale Structure

We compute the non-Gaussian contribution to the covariance of the matter power spectrum at one-loop order in Standard Perturbation Theory (SPT), and using the framework of the effective field theory (EFT) of large scale structure (LSS). The complete one-loop contributions are evaluated for the first time, including the leading EFT corrections that involve seven independent operators, of which four appear in the power spectrum and bispectrum. We compare the non-Gaussian part of the one-loop covariance computed with both SPT and EFT of LSS to two separate simulations. In one simulation, we find that the one-loop prediction from SPT reproduces the simulation well to $k_i + k_j \sim$ 0.25 h/Mpc, while in the other simulation we find a substantial improvement of EFT of LSS (with one free parameter) over SPT, more than doubling the range of $k$ where the theory accurately reproduces the simulation. The disagreement between these two simulations points to unaccounted for systematics, highlighting the need for improved numerical and analytic understanding of the covariance.Comment: v2 - 10+9 pages, 6 figures; minor changes + data analysis and conclusions updated. Version accepted for publication in PR

Removing non-stationary, non-harmonic external interference from gravitational wave interferometer data

We describe a procedure to identify and remove a class of non-stationary and non-harmonic interference lines from gravitational wave interferometer data. These lines appear to be associated with the external electricity main supply, but their amplitudes are non-stationary and they do not appear at harmonics of the fundamental supply frequency. We find an empirical model able to represent coherently all the non-harmonic lines we have found in the power spectrum, in terms of an assumed reference signal of the primary supply input signal. If this signal is not available then it can be reconstructed from the same data by making use of the coherent line removal algorithm that we have described elsewhere. All these lines are broadened by frequency changes of the supply signal, and they corrupt significant frequency ranges of the power spectrum. The physical process that generates this interference is so far unknown, but it is highly non-linear and non-stationary. Using our model, we cancel the interference in the time domain by an adaptive procedure that should work regardless of the source of the primary interference. We have applied the method to laser interferometer data from the Glasgow prototype detector, where all the features we describe in this paper were observed. The algorithm has been tuned in such a way that the entire series of wide lines corresponding to the electrical interference are removed, leaving the spectrum clean enough to detect signals previously masked by them. Single-line signals buried in the interference can be recovered with at least 75 % of their original signal amplitude.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figures, Revtex, psfi

A Geometrical Characterization of the Twin Paradox and its Variants

The aim of this paper is to provide a logic-based conceptual analysis of the twin paradox (TwP) theorem within a first-order logic framework. A geometrical characterization of TwP and its variants is given. It is shown that TwP is not logically equivalent to the assumption of the slowing down of moving clocks, and the lack of TwP is not logically equivalent to the Newtonian assumption of absolute time. The logical connection between TwP and a symmetry axiom of special relativity is also studied.Comment: 22 pages, 3 figure

Coincidence Experiments between Interferometric and Resonant Bar Detectors

Gravitational wave coincidence experiments between bars and interferometers may be an attractive option once the new generation of full scale interferometers begins taking data. We discuss various ways in which these disparate types of data can be compared in searches for bursts (from supernovae, for example), for pulsar signals, and for a stochastic background. Comparison of broadband interferometer data with narrowband bar data is appropriate in most searches for bursts, but in many cases the results---especially null results (upper limits)---are difficult to interpret. By narrowbanding the interferometer data to the bandwidth of the bar detector, one produces data sets that may give much clearer information in certain burst searches and that are appropriate for searches for a stochastic background of gravitational waves. We suggest, in fact, that there are circumstances where searches for a stochastic background could be more efficiently performed between a bar and an interferometer than between two interferometers. We examine, in some detail, the effect of narrowbanding the interferometer data. We apply this method to a real interferometer and bar data and assess its signal-to-noise performance for different classes of gravitational wave signals