Persistent Gravitational Radiation: Sources and LIGO Detection

这项研究将分析那些快速旋转的中子星的演化，这些中子星可能是持续准周期引力辐射的来源。最初的焦点将是那些通过恒星伴星的持续吸积而旋转起来的中子星。将利用对这种双源的X射线观测(例如由Rossi X射线定时探测器卫星进行的观测)，以确定有希望的目标。将开发一个系统的参数化模型，描述决定引力波频率和幅度的那些属性的演变。斯坦福大学小组已经被LIGO科学合作组织的天体物理源识别和签名小组确定，以领导开发探测此类源的“稳健算法”的努力。这样的算法产生了引力辐射随时间变化的参数预测，这极大地促进了LIGO和其他激光干涉仪探测器对它的探测。这项研究是迈向这一目标的第一步。

This research will analyze the evolution of those rapidly rotating neutron stars that could be sources of persistent quasi-periodic gravitational radiation. The initial focus will be on those neutron stars that have been spun up via continued accretion from a stellar companion. X-ray observations of such binary sources (such as those carried out by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite) will be employed in order to identify promising targets. A parametrized model of the system, which describes the evolution of those properties that determine the gravitational wave frequency and amplitude, will be developed.The Stanford group has been identified by the Astrophysical Source Identification and Signatures Subgroup of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration to lead the effort to develop "robust algorithms" for detection of such sources. Such algorithms produce parametrized predictions of the time dependence of the gravitational radiation, which greatly facilitate its detection by LIGO and other laser interferometer detectors. This research is the first step toward this goal.