118446989
Stacking gravitational wave signals from soft gamma repeater bursts
Soft gamma repeaters (SGRs) have unique properties that make them intriguing targets for gravitational wave (GW) searches. They are nearby, their burst emission mechanism may involve neutron star crust fractures and excitation of quasinormal modes, and they burst repeatedly and sometimes spectacularly. A recent LIGO search for transient GW from these sources placed upper limits on a set of almost 200 individual SGR bursts. These limits were within the theoretically predicted range of some models. We present a new search strategy which builds upon the method used there by “stacking” potential GW signals from multiple SGR bursts. We assume that variation in the time difference between burst electromagnetic emission and burst GW emission is small relative to the GW signal duration, and we time-align GW excess power time-frequency tilings containing individual burst triggers to their corresponding electromagnetic emissions. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we confirm that gains in GW energy sensitivity of N^(1/2) are possible, where N is the number of stacked SGR bursts. Estimated sensitivities for a mock search for gravitational waves from the 2006 March 29 storm from SGR 1900+14 are also presented, for two GW emission models, “fluence-weighted” and “flat” (unweighted).
14608151
X-Pipeline: an analysis package for autonomous gravitational-wave burst searches
Autonomous gravitational-wave searches—fully automated analyses of data that run without human intervention or assistance—are desirable for a number of reasons. They are necessary for the rapid identification of gravitational-wave burst candidates, which in turn will allow for follow-up observations by other observatories and the maximum exploitation of their scientific potential. A fully automated analysis would also circumvent the traditional 'by hand' setup and tuning of burst searches that is both labourious and time consuming. We demonstrate a fully automated search with X-Pipeline, a software package for the coherent analysis of data from networks of interferometers for detecting bursts associated with gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and other astrophysical triggers. We discuss the methods X-Pipeline uses for automated running, including background estimation, efficiency studies, unbiased optimal tuning of search thresholds and prediction of upper limits. These are all done automatically via Monte Carlo with multiple independent data samples and without requiring human intervention. As a demonstration of the power of this approach, we apply X-Pipeline to LIGO data to compute the sensitivity to gravitational-wave emission associated with GRB 031108. We find that X-Pipeline is sensitive to signals approximately a factor of 2 weaker in amplitude than those detectable by the cross-correlation technique used in LIGO searches to date. We conclude with comments on the status of X-Pipeline as a fully autonomous, near-real-time-triggered burst search in the current LSC-Virgo Science Run.
123595435
Particle accelerators and the fundamental constants
As an instructive exercise in elementary quantum physics, we explore the relationship between the sizes of circular particle accelerators and the fundamental constants of nature.
120177817
Performance of a UA1 Hadron Calorimeter Prototype
The hadron calorimeter for the UA1 experiment at the CERN SPS proton-antiproton collider consists of a lead-scintillator sandwich plus an iron-scintillator sandwich with wavelength shifter readout. We have tested prototype modules in muon and hadron beams in the momentum range from 0.7 to 90 GeV/c. For several angles of incidence, we have studied the uniformity of the response to hadrons as a function of position. This has included regions where there is reduced sensitivity due to mechanical constraints and the presence of the wavelength shifter readout. The response, resolution and degree of shower containment were measured as a function of incident momentum.
120152123
Particle physics at the turn of the century
Aspects of particle physics are reviewed from an experimental viewpoint. The elementary constituents of the Universe are described, as are the fundamental forces through which they interact. Recent results are emphasized and there is some speculation about the future. No attempt has been made to give a complete bibliography, but a few references to recent reviews and original articles are given. A glossary of acronyms is included.
123331390
Experimental techniques in particle physics
Abstract The great majority of experiments in particle physics use beams of particles from accelerators. Individual interactions of these with other particles are observed by detector systems. Fixed target and colliding beam experiments are contrasted, and non-accelerator experiments mentioned briefly. An account is given of the principles of the various detectors. These include scintillation and Cerenkov counters and the various tracking devices such as bubble chambers, proportional and drift chambers. Calorimeters have emerged recently as important detectors at the highest energies. Electronic logic modules are mentioned and the main steps in data acquisition and analysis are described. Finally an example is given of a large detector system.