We report on the first joint search for gravitational waves by the TAMA and LIGO collaborations. We looked for millisecond-duration unmodeled gravitational-wave bursts in 473 hr of coincident data collected during early 2003. No candidate signals were found. We set an upper limit of 0.12 events per day on the rate of detectable gravitational-wave bursts, at 90% confidence level. From software simulations, we estimate that our detector network was sensitive to bursts with root-sum-square strain amplitude above approximately 1–3×10^-19 Hz^-1/2 in the frequency band 700–2000 Hz. We describe the details of this collaborative search, with particular emphasis on its advantages and disadvantages compared to searches by LIGO and TAMA separately using the same data. Benefits include a lower background and longer observation time, at some cost in sensitivity and bandwidth. We also demonstrate techniques for performing coincidence searches with a heterogeneous network of detectors with different noise spectra and orientations. These techniques include using coordinated software signal injections to estimate the network sensitivity, and tuning the analysis to maximize the sensitivity and the livetime, subject to constraints on the background.

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory has performed a third science run with much improved sensitivities of all three interferometers. We present an analysis of approximately 200 hours of data acquired during this run, used to search for a stochastic background of gravitational radiation. We place upper bounds on the energy density stored as gravitational radiation for three different spectral power laws. For the flat spectrum, our limit of Ω₀<8.4×10^-4 in the 69–156 Hz band is ~10⁵ times lower than the previous result in this frequency range.

We perform a wide parameter-space search for continuous gravitational waves over the whole sky and over a large range of values of the frequency and the first spin-down parameter. Our search method is based on the Hough transform, which is a semicoherent, computationally efficient, and robust pattern recognition technique. We apply this technique to data from the second science run of the LIGO detectors and our final results are all-sky upper limits on the strength of gravitational waves emitted by unknown isolated spinning neutron stars on a set of narrow frequency bands in the range 200–400 Hz. The best upper limit on the gravitational-wave strain amplitude that we obtain in this frequency range is 4.43×10^-23.

We use data from the second science run of the LIGO gravitational-wave detectors to search for the gravitational waves from primordial black hole binary coalescence with component masses in the range 0.2–1.0M_[sun]. The analysis requires a signal to be found in the data from both LIGO observatories, according to a set of coincidence criteria. No inspiral signals were found. Assuming a spherical halo with core radius 5 kpc extending to 50 kpc containing nonspinning black holes with masses in the range 0.2–1.0 M_[sun], we place an observational upper limit on the rate of primordial black hole coalescence of 63 per year per Milky Way halo (MWH) with 90% confidence.

We use 373 hours (≈ 15 days) of data from the second science run of the LIGO gravitational-wave detectors to search for signals from binary neutron star coalescences within a maximum distance of about 1.5 Mpc, a volume of space which includes the Andromeda Galaxy and other galaxies of the Local Group of galaxies. This analysis requires a signal to be found in data from detectors at the two LIGO sites, according to a set of coincidence criteria. The background (accidental coincidence rate) is determined from the data and is used to judge the significance of event candidates. No inspiral gravitational-wave events were identified in our search. Using a population model which includes the Local Group, we establish an upper limit of less than 47 inspiral events per year per Milky Way equivalent galaxy with 90% confidence for nonspinning binary neutron star systems with component masses between 1 and 3M_[sun]. 

We perform a search for gravitational wave bursts using data from the second science run of the LIGO detectors, using a method based on a wavelet time-frequency decomposition. This search is sensitive to bursts of duration much less than a second and with frequency content in the 100–1100 Hz range. It features significant improvements in the instrument sensitivity and in the analysis pipeline with respect to the burst search previously reported by LIGO. Improvements in the search method allow exploring weaker signals, relative to the detector noise floor, while maintaining a low false alarm rate, O(0.1) µHz. The sensitivity in terms of the root-sum-square (rss) strain amplitude lies in the range of h_rss ~10^-20–10^-19 Hz^-1/2. No gravitational wave signals were detected in 9.98 days of analyzed data. We interpret the search result in terms of a frequentist upper limit on the rate of detectable gravitational wave bursts at the level of 0.26 events per day at 90% confidence level. We combine this limit with measurements of the detection efficiency for selected waveform morphologies in order to yield rate versus strength exclusion curves as well as to establish order-of-magnitude distance sensitivity to certain modeled astrophysical sources. Both the rate upper limit and its applicability to signal strengths improve our previously reported limits and reflect the most sensitive broad-band search for untriggered and unmodeled gravitational wave bursts to date.

We have performed a search for bursts of gravitational waves associated with the very bright gamma ray burst GRB030329, using the two detectors at the LIGO Hanford Observatory. Our search covered the most sensitive frequency range of the LIGO detectors (approximately 80–2048 Hz), and we specifically targeted signals shorter than ≈ 150 ms. Our search algorithm looks for excess correlated power between the two interferometers and thus makes minimal assumptions about the gravitational waveform. We observed no candidates with gravitational-wave signal strength larger than a predetermined threshold. We report frequency-dependent upper limits on the strength of the gravitational waves associated with GRB030329. Near the most sensitive frequency region, around ≈ 250 Hz, our root-sum-square (RSS) gravitational-wave strain sensitivity for optimally polarized bursts was better than h_RSS ≈ 6 × 10^-21 Hz^-1/2. Our result is comparable to the best published results searching for association between gravitational waves and gamma ray bursts.

We place direct upper limits on the amplitude of gravitational waves from 28 isolated radio pulsars by a coherent multidetector analysis of the data collected during the second science run of the LIGO interferometric detectors. These are the first direct upper limits for 26 of the 28 pulsars. We use coordinated radio observations for the first time to build radio-guided phase templates for the expected gravitational-wave signals. The unprecedented sensitivity of the detectors allows us to set strain upper limits as low as a few times 10^-24. These strain limits translate into limits on the equatorial ellipticities of the pulsars, which are smaller than 10^-5 for the four closest pulsars.

For 17 days in August and September 2002, the LIGO and GEO interferometer gravitational wave detectors were operated in coincidence to produce their first data for scientific analysis. Although the detectors were still far from their design sensitivity levels, the data can be used to place better upper limits on the flux of gravitational waves incident on the earth than previous direct measurements. This paper describes the instruments and the data in some detail, as a companion to analysis papers based on the first data.

Data collected by the GEO 600 and LIGO interferometric gravitational wave detectors during their first observational science run were searched for continuous gravitational waves from the pulsar J1939+2134 at twice its rotation frequency. Two independent analysis methods were used and are demonstrated in this paper: a frequency domain method and a time domain method. Both achieve consistent null results, placing new upper limits on the strength of the pulsar's gravitational wave emission. A model emission mechanism is used to interpret the limits as a constraint on the pulsar's equatorial ellipticity.

We report on a search for gravitational wave bursts using data from the first science run of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors. Our search focuses on bursts with durations ranging from 4 to 100 ms, and with significant power in the LIGO sensitivity band of 150 to 3000 Hz. We bound the rate for such detected bursts at less than 1.6 events per day at a 90% confidence level. This result is interpreted in terms of the detection efficiency for ad hoc waveforms (Gaussians and sine Gaussians) as a function of their root-sum-square strain h_rss; typical sensitivities lie in the range h_rss similar to 10^–19-10^-17 strain/√Hz, depending on the waveform. We discuss improvements in the search method that will be applied to future science data from LIGO and other gravitational wave detectors.

We present the analysis of between 50 and 100 h of coincident interferometric strain data used to search for and establish an upper limit on a stochastic background of gravitational radiation. These data come from the first LIGO science run, during which all three LIGO interferometers were operated over a 2-week period spanning August and September of 2002. The method of cross correlating the outputs of two interferometers is used for analysis. We describe in detail practical signal processing issues that arise when working with real data, and we establish an observational upper limit on a f^-3 power spectrum of gravitational waves. Our 90% confidence limit is Ω₀h²₁₀₀ less than or equal to 23+/-4.6 in the frequency band 40-314 Hz, where h₁₀₀ is the Hubble constant in units of 100 km/sec/Mpc and Ω₀ is the gravitational wave energy density per logarithmic frequency interval in units of the closure density. This limit is approximately 10⁴ times better than the previous, broadband direct limit using interferometric detectors, and nearly 3 times better than the best narrow-band bar detector limit. As LIGO and other worldwide detectors improve in sensitivity and attain their design goals, the analysis procedures described here should lead to stochastic background sensitivity levels of astrophysical interest.

We report on a search for gravitational waves from coalescing compact binary systems in the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds. The analysis uses data taken by two of the three LIGO interferometers during the first LIGO science run and illustrates a method of setting upper limits on inspiral event rates using interferometer data. The analysis pipeline is described with particular attention to data selection and coincidence between the two interferometers. We establish an observational upper limit of R<1.7 × 10² per year per Milky Way Equivalent Galaxy (MWEG), with 90% confidence, on the coalescence rate of binary systems in which each component has a mass in the range 1-3 M_sun.

A seismic isolation system for the proposed 'Advanced LIGO' detector upgrade is under development. It consists of a two-stage in-vacuum active isolation platform that is supported by an external hydraulic actuation stage. A full-scale preliminary-design technology demonstrator of the in-vacuum platform has been assembled and is being tested at Stanford's engineering test facility. Unanticipated excess ground motion from local human activity at LIGO Livingston has prompted accelerated development of the external stage for installation and use in the initial Livingston detector. As an interim measure, active external isolation in the laser beam direction is implemented using existing PZT external actuators.

The LIGO experiment aims to detect and study gravitational waves using ground-based laser interferometry. A critical factor to the performance of the interferometers, and a major consideration in the design of possible future upgrades, is isolation of the interferometer optics from seismic noise. We present the results of a detailed programme of measurements of the seismic environment surrounding the LIGO interferometers. We describe the experimental configuration used to collect the data, which were acquired over a 613 day period. The measurements focused on the frequency range 0.1-10 Hz, in which the secondary microseismic peak and noise due to human activity in the vicinity of the detectors was found to be particularly critical to the interferometer performance. We compare the statistical distribution of the data sets from the two interferometer sites, construct amplitude spectral densities of seismic noise amplitude fluctuations with periods of up to 3 months and analyse the data for any long-term trends in the amplitude of seismic noise in this critical frequency range.

Standing ocean waves driven by storms can excite surface waves in the ocean floor at twice the wave frequency. These traverse large distances on land and are called the double-frequency (DF) microseism. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detector relies on length servos to maintain optical resonance in its 4 km Fabry-Perot cavities, which consist of seismically isolated in-vacuum suspended test mass mirrors in three different buildings. Correcting for the DF microseism motion can require tens of micrometers of actuation, a significant fraction of the feedback dynamic range. The LIGO seismic isolation design provides an external fine actuation system (FAS), which allows long-range displacement of the optical tables that support the test mass suspensions. We report on a feedforward control system that uses seismometer signals from each building to produce correction signals, which are applied to the FAS, largely removing the microseism disturbance independently of length control servos. The root-mean-squared displacement from the microseism near 0.15 Hz can be reduced by 10 dB on average. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

The noise performance of Allegro since 1993 is summarized. We show that the noise level of Allegro is, in general, stationary. Non-Gaussian impulse excitations persist despite efforts to isolate the detector from environmental disturbances. Some excitations are caused by seismic activity and flux jumps in the SQUID. Algorithms to identify and automatically veto these events are presented. Also, the contribution of Allegro to collaborations with other resonant-mass detectors via the International Gravitational Event Collaboration and with LIGO is reviewed.

The baseline design concept for a seismic isolation component of the proposed 'Advanced LIGO' detector upgrade has been developed with proof-of-principle experiments and computer models. It consists of a two-stage in-vacuum active isolation platform that is supported by an external hydraulic actuation stage. Construction is underway for prototype testing of a full-scale preliminary design.

We present a signal extraction scheme for longitudinal sensing and control of an interferometric gravitational-wave detector based on a multiple-frequency heterodyne detection technique. Gravitational-wave detectors use multiple-mirror resonant optical systems where resonance conditions must be satisfied for multiple degrees of freedom that are optically coupled. The multiple-carrier longitudinal-sensing technique provides sensitive signals for all interferometric lengths to be controlled and successfully decouples them. The feasibility of the technique is demonstrated on a tabletop-scale power- recycled Michelson interferometer with Fabry-Perot arm cavities, and the experimentally measured values of the length-sensing signals are in good agreement with theoretical calculations. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.

The major obstacle to the detection of low-frequency gravitational waves with an earth-based interferometer is seismic noise. The current design of the initial Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) receiver, now under construction, projects that ground noise will limit the operating band to frequencies above 40 Hz. In this article, we describe recent progress on the JILA active vibration isolation system. This device is being constructed to demonstrate the technology needed for useful reduction of low-frequency seismic noise in a gravitational wave interferometer. It consists of three spring-mounted stages, each of which provides both active and passive isolation. To date, all of the control loops on the first two of the three stages have been closed. Together they can reduce large vibrations by at least 70 dB in both vertical and horizontal directions at 1.5 Hz and above. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S0034- 6748(98)04506-7]

Multiple-stage seismic vibration isolation stacks, which consist of alternating layers of stiff masses and compliant springs, can provide significant passive filtering of ground vibration for experiments and equipment that are sensitive to mechanical noise. We describe the design, modeling and testing of a prototype of a stack suitable for use in the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). This is a four-stage elastomer (spring) and stainless steel (mass) stack, consisting of a table resting on three separate legs of three layers each. The viscoelastic properties of elastomer springs are exploited to damp the stack's normal modes while providing rapid roll-off of stack transmission above these modal frequencies. The stack's transmission of base motion to top motion was measured in vacuum and compared with three-dimensional finite-element models. In one tested configuration, at 100 Hz, horizontal transmission was 10^-7, vertical transmission was 3 × 10^-6, and the cross-coupling terms were between these values. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.

Sensitivity enhancements in the laser interferometer gravitational wave observatory (LIGO) project's 40 m interferometer have been achieved through two major instrumental improvements, Improved vibration isolation has reduced the noise due to ground motion, New test masses with less mechanical dissipation were installed to lower the thermal noise associated with mirror vibrations, The minimum interferometer noise (square root of the spectral density of apparent differential displacement) reached 3 × 10^-19 m/√Hz near 450 Hz.

We describe a rigid, internally modulated Michelson interferometer with Fabry-Perot cavities in the interferometer arms. The high contrast (0.986) and the small cavity losses (2.7%) permit efficient use of the light power available. The measured shot-noise-limited displacement sensitivity for 35 mW of light power is 2.5 × 10^-17 m/√Hz, in good agreement with the calculated signal-to-noise ratio.