arXiv subjects

G. González

Publications and source records attributed to G. González.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

LIGO A$^\sharp$: Detector Design and Science Prospects Beyond A+

We present the LIGO A$^\sharp$ detector concept, an upgrade for the LIGO observatories based on room-temperature interferometers beyond the fifth observing run (O5). Building on the A+ sensitivity, A$^\sharp$ targets broadband sensitivity improvements through heavier test masses, improved suspensions and seismic isolation, increased arm-cavity power, enhanced frequency-dependent squeezing, reduced coating thermal noise considering two scenarios, and improved control of mechanical motion and optical modes. We describe the principal design choices, projected noise performance, and corresponding astrophysical prospects. LIGO A$^\sharp$ substantially increases compact-binary detection rates, strengthens population inference, and improves both early-warning times and localization for binary neutron star mergers. The improved sensitivity enables more detailed studies of compact-binary coalescences, including higher-order multipoles, intermediate-mass black holes, remnant black hole ringdown, and the neutron star equation of state. It also broadens the discovery potential for new gravitational-wave sources such as continuous waves and bursts, should enable detection of the stochastic background from compact binary mergers if it remains undetected after O5, and strengthens the role of gravitational-wave detectors as probes of fundamental physics. We discuss key technical challenges and the role of A$^\sharp$ as both a major scientific upgrade for the 2030s and a technology pathfinder for next-generation gravitational-wave observatories, such as Cosmic Explorer.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

LIGO Detector Characterization in the first half of the fourth Observing run

Progress in gravitational-wave astronomy depends upon having sensitive detectors with good data quality. Since the end of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA third Observing run in March 2020, detector-characterization efforts have lead to increased sensitivity of the detectors, swifter validation of gravitational-wave candidates and improved tools used for data-quality products. In this article, we discuss these efforts in detail and their impact on our ability to detect and study gravitational-waves. These include the multiple instrumental investigations that led to reduction in transient noise, along with the work to improve software tools used to examine the detectors data-quality. We end with a brief discussion on the role and requirements of detector characterization as the sensitivity of our detectors further improves in the future Observing runs.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2020

Medical imaging data structure extended to multiple modalities and anatomical regions

Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) allows the user to organise brain imaging data into a clear and easy standard directory structure. BIDS is widely supported by the scientific community and is considered a powerful standard for management. The original BIDS is limited to images or data related to the brain. Medical Imaging Data Structure (MIDS) was therefore conceived with the objective of extending this methodology to other anatomical regions and other types of imaging systems in these areas.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2017

Effects of transients in LIGO suspensions on searches for gravitational waves

This paper presents an analysis of the transient behavior of the Advanced LIGO suspensions used to seismically isolate the optics. We have characterized the transients in the longitudinal motion of the quadruple suspensions during Advanced LIGO's first observing run. Propagation of transients between stages is consistent with modelled transfer functions, such that transient motion originating at the top of the suspension chain is significantly reduced in amplitude at the test mass. We find that there are transients seen by the longitudinal motion monitors of quadruple suspensions, but they are not significantly correlated with transient motion above the noise floor in the gravitational wave strain data, and therefore do not present a dominant source of background noise in the searches for transient gravitational wave signals.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2010

Methods for Reducing False Alarms in Searches for Compact Binary Coalescences in LIGO Data

The LIGO detectors are sensitive to a variety of noise transients of non-astrophysical origin. Instrumental glitches and environmental disturbances increase the false alarm rate in the searches for gravitational waves. Using times already identified when the interferometers produced data of questionable quality, or when the channels that monitor the interferometer indicated non-stationarity, we have developed techniques to safely and effectively veto false triggers from the compact binary coalescences (CBCs) search pipeline.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

The LSC Glitch Group : Monitoring Noise Transients during the fifth LIGO Science Run

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) glitch group is part of the LIGO detector characterization effort. It consists of data analysts and detector experts who, during and after science runs, collaborate for a better understanding of noise transients in the detectors. Goals of the glitch group during the fifth LIGO science run (S5) included (1) offline assessment of the detector data quality, with focus on noise transients, (2) veto recommendations for astrophysical analysis and (3) feedback to the commissioning team on anomalies seen in gravitational wave and auxiliary data channels. Other activities included the study of auto-correlation of triggers from burst searches, stationarity of the detector noise and veto studies. The group identified causes for several noise transients that triggered false alarms in the gravitational wave searches; the times of such transients were identified and vetoed from the data generating the LSC astrophysical results.

gr-qc↗