Gravitational-wave search using Gamma-ray bursts with Advanced LIGO

Abstract

I will present results from Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) search for gravitational waves (GWs) associated with gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) during LIGO’s first observing run in 2015-16. Gamma-ray bursts are expected to have a GW counterpart that could be observed by Advanced LIGO; the detection of coincident radiation would give an unprecedented opportunity for multimessenger astronomy. Gamma-ray satellites reported 110 GRBs from which 41 had sufficient duration and quality of LIGO data to be analyzed. While no candidates were found, we put lower bounds on the median source distance for various scenarios of GW emission. I will also talk about the search for GWs associated with GRB 150906B, for which the potential host galaxy NGC 3313 is at a luminosity distance of only 54 Mpc (z = 0.0124). I will conclude with an update about LIGO’s second observing run that started on November 30, 2016.

Ronaldas Macas

Data Scientist

Applying my experience in gravitational-wave astronomy and machine learning to data science problems.