3138911
Accurate measurement of the time delay in the response of the LIGO gravitational wave detectors
We present a method to precisely calibrate the time delay in a long baseline gravitational-wave interferometer. An accurate time stamp is crucial for data analysis of gravitational wave detectors, especially when performing coincidence and correlation analyses between multiple detectors. Our method uses an intensity-modulated radiation pressure force to actuate on the mirrors. The time delay is measured by comparing the phase of the signal at the actuation point with the phase of the recorded signal within the calibrated data stream used for gravitational wave searches. Because the signal-injection path is independent of the interferometer's control system, which is used for the standard calibration, this method can be an independent verification of the timing error in the system. A measurement performed with the 4 km interferometer at the LIGO Hanford Observatory shows a 1 µs relative accuracy when averaging over 50 min. Our understanding of the systematic time delay in the detector response has reached the level of 10 µs.
117574348
Excluding Source Models with Multiple Astrophysical Observations
We describe a general method to observationally exclude a theoretical model for gravitational wave (GW) emission from a transient astrophysical source (event) by using a null detection from a network of GW detectors. In the case of multiple astrophysical events with no GW detection, statements about individual events can be combined to increase the exclusion confidence. We frame and demonstrate the method using a population of hypothetical core collapse supernovae.
26319866
Accurate calibration of test mass displacement in the LIGO interferometers
We describe three fundamentally different methods we have applied to calibrate the test mass displacement actuators to search for systematic errors in the calibration of the LIGO gravitational-wave detectors. The actuation frequencies tested range from 90 Hz to 1 kHz and the actuation amplitudes range from 10−6 m to 10−18 m. For each of the four test mass actuators measured, the weighted mean coefficient over all frequencies for each technique deviates from the average actuation coefficient for all three techniques by less than 4%. This result indicates that systematic errors in the calibration of the responses of the LIGO detectors to differential length variations are within the stated uncertainties.
14181827
Search method for unmodeled transient gravitational waves associated with SGR flares
We describe a method for searching for transient gravitational waves associated with soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) flares or other burst-like events using data collected by interferometric gravitational wave detectors. The method can be used to analyze data from either a single detector or from two detectors coherently. The excess power-type algorithm creates event sets from conditioned detector data which may be compared to signal simulations of known strength based on plausible waveform classes. Estimated search sensitivities obtained by performing two-detector searches on the simulated data are presented. In the case of 22 ms duration white noise bursts in the 100–200 Hz band injected into simulated noise, we find a characteristic strain sensitivity h90%rss = 3.0 × 10−22 .
14925786
Benefits of artificially generated gravity gradients for interferometric gravitational-wave detectors
We present an approach to experimentally evaluate gravity gradient noise, a potentially limiting noise source in advanced interferometric gravitational-wave detectors. In addition, the method can be used to provide sub-percent calibration in phase and amplitude. Knowledge of calibration to such certainties shall enhance the scientific output of the instruments in the case of an eventual detection of gravitational waves. The method relies on a rotating symmetrical two-body mass, a dynamic gravity field generator (DFG). The placement of the DFG in the proximity of one of the interferometer's suspended test masses generates a change in the local gravitational field detectable with current interferometric gravitational-wave detectors.
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).
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.
116914560
Physicists make the most of antimatter.
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.
123678522
Options for machines and experiments in the future
The highest energy particle accelerators in operation and under construction are described briefly, together with a selection of detectors. Extrapolations of existing techniques both for accelerators and for detectors appear to be adequate for the next upward step in energy, but beyond this new techniques will probably have to be developed. Some predictions are given.
121760874
Some Hadron Calorimeter Properties Relevant to Storage Rings
At wide angles in a storage ring environment, a substantial part of the energy seen by a hadron calorimeter can be in the form of very low momentum particles such as jet fragments or resonance cascade decay products. Data are presented on the deviations from Gaussian resolution and linear response for such low momentum particles. The differing responses to incident e-, μ-, π+-, K+-, p and at momenta below 10 GeV/c are also compared. In addition, we discuss the significance of angle effects for a 4π calorimeter, and the problems of combining data from calorimeters with different physical characteristics. Experimental data are presented on the difference in hadron response between a fine grain ("electromagnetic") lead calorimeter and a coarser ("hadron") iron calorimeter, and on the dependence of the response on the energy sharing between the two calorimeters.