All-sky search for continuous gravitational-wave signals from unknown neutron stars in binary systems in the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Document #:

LIGO-P2500437-v22

Document type:

P - Publications

Abstract:

We present the results of a blind all-sky search for continuous gravitational-wave signals from unknown neutron stars in binary systems using data from the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a) using LIGO detector data. Rapidly rotating, non-axisymmetric neutron stars are expected to emit continuous gravitational waves, the detection of which would significantly improve our understanding of the galactic neutron star population and matter under extreme conditions, while also providing valuable tests of general relativity. Neutron stars in binary systems likely constitute a substantial fraction of the unobserved galactic population and, due to potential mass accretion, may emit stronger gravitational wave signals than their isolated counterparts. This search targets signals from neutron stars with frequencies in the 100 - 350 Hz range, orbital periods between 7 and 15 days and projected semimajor axis between 5 and 15 light-seconds. The analysis employs the GPU-accelerated FastTracks pipeline for parallel evaluation of detection statistics. No astrophysical signals were identified. We report sensitivity estimates with implications on the gravitational-wave amplitude and set new constraints on the population of neutron stars in binary systems in our Galaxy.

Files in Document:

• o4a_cw_all-sky_binary.pdf (1.6 MB)

Other Files:

• sensitivity_results_release.tar.gz (189.8 kB)

Topics:

• Continuous Wave

Author Groups:

• LVK