First searches for optical counterparts to gravitational-wave candidate events

Aasi, J. and Lockerbie, N. A. and Tokmakov, K. V., LIGO Scientific Collaboration, Virgo Collaboration (2014) First searches for optical counterparts to gravitational-wave candidate events. Astrophysical Journal Supplement, 211 (1). 7. ISSN 0067-0049 (https://doi.org/10.1088/0067-0049/211/1/7)

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Abstract

During the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory and Virgo joint science runs in 2009-2010, gravitational wave (GW) data from three interferometer detectors were analyzed within minutes to select GW candidate events and infer their apparent sky positions. Target coordinates were transmitted to several telescopes for follow-up observations aimed at the detection of an associated optical transient. Images were obtained for eight such GW candidates. We present the methods used to analyze the image data as well as the transient search results. No optical transient was identified with a convincing association with any of these candidates, and none of the GW triggers showed strong evidence for being astrophysical in nature. We compare the sensitivities of these observations to several model light curves from possible sources of interest, and discuss prospects for future joint GW-optical observations of this type.

ORCID iDs

Aasi, J., Lockerbie, N. A. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1678-3260 and Tokmakov, K. V. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2808-6593;
  • Item type:Article
    ID code:50705
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    11 February 2014
    Published
    Notes:J. Aasi. et al. 2014 The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, 211:7. © 2014. The American Astronomical Society.
    Subjects:Science > Physics
    Science > Astronomy
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:09 Dec 2014 14:26
    Last modified:11 Nov 2024 10:53
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/50705
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