Searching for Gravitational Waves Using the LIGO Detectors in Coincidence with Astrophysical Triggers

激光干涉引力波天文台（LIGO）的目标是直接探测来自各种天体物理源的引力波，为宇宙打开一扇全新的窗户。LIGO的广泛分离的干涉仪被用于寻找由紧凑的双星系统，旋转的中子星，超新星和其他宇宙学现象发出的引力波。LIGO探测器目前正在接近设计性能，并将于2005年底开始长期数据采集。更灵敏的先进探测器的开发工作已经在顺利进行。LIGO的科学计划是LIGO科学合作组织（LSC）的使命。LIGO目前的数据采集、数据分析和探测器改进活动的交替循环为哥伦比亚大学（GECo）的实验重力组作为新的LSC组提供了机会。GECo小组计划在以下关键领域发挥关键作用：（1）LIGO和Advanced LIGO的定时精度和定时诊断，以实现关键的符合探测;（2）改进、开发和支持探测器诊断工具和物理环境监测系统，以提高探测器可靠性和量化数据质量;（3）利用伽马射线爆发和光学超新星等天体物理触发因素，进行和进一步发展敏感的专门分析。这些活动为研究生和本科生提供了实践机会。PI将参与哥伦比亚大学的一些项目，包括与当地社区的外联。

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)'s goal is the direct detection of gravitational waves from various astrophysical sources to open a totally new window on the Universe. LIGO's widely separated interferometers are used in coincidence to search for gravitational waves emitted by compact binary systems, spinning neutron stars, supernovae and other cosmological phenomena. The LIGO detectors are now approaching design performance and prolonged data taking will commence in late 2005. Development of a more sensitive advanced detector is already well underway. The scientific program of LIGO is the mission of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC).LIGO's current alternating cycles of data taking, data analysis and detector improvement activities provide an opportunity for the experimental gravity group at Columbia University (GECo) as a new LSC group. The GECo group intends to play a pivotal role in the following critical areas: (1) Timing accuracy and timing diagnostics for LIGO and Advanced LIGO to enable crucial coincidence detection; (2) Improvement, development, and support for detector diagnostic tools and physical environmental monitoring systems needed to improve detector reliability and to quantify data quality; (3) Execution and further development of sensitive and specialized analyses, which take advantage of astrophysical triggers, such as gamma ray bursts and optical supernovae. These activities provide hands-on opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. The PI will participate in a number of Columbia University programs involving outreach to the local community.