arXiv subjects

Vuk Mandic

Publications and source records attributed to Vuk Mandic.

65 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

The stochastic background from cosmic (super)strings: popcorn and (Gaussian) continuous regimes

In the era of the next generation of gravitational wave experiments a stochastic background from cusps of cosmic (super)strings is expected to be probed and, if not detected, to be significantly constrained. A popcorn-like background can be, for part of the parameter space, as pronounced as the (Gaussian) continuous contribution from unresolved sources that overlap in frequency and time. We study both contributions from unresolved cosmic string cusps over a range of frequencies relevant to ground based interferometers, such as LIGO/Virgo second generation (AdLV) and Einstein Telescope (ET) third generation detectors, the space antenna LISA and Pulsar Timing Arrays (PTA). We compute the sensitivity (at $2 σ$ level) in the parameter space for AdLV, ET, LISA and PTA. We conclude that the popcorn regime is complementary to the continuous background. Its detection could therefore enhance confidence in a stochastic background detection and possibly help determine fundamental string parameters such as the string tension and the reconnection probability.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2012

Identification of noise artifacts in searches for long-duration gravitational-wave transients

We present an algorithm for the identification of transient noise artifacts (glitches) in cross-correlation searches for long O(10s) gravitational-wave transients. The algorithm utilizes the auto-power in each detector as a discriminator between well-behaved Gaussian noise (possibly including a gravitational-wave signal) and glitches. We test the algorithm with both Monte Carlo noise and time-shifted data from the LIGO S5 science run and find that it is effective at removing a significant fraction of glitches while keeping the vast majority (99.6%) of the data. Using an accretion disk instability signal model, we estimate that the algorithm is accidentally triggered at a rate of less than 10^-5% by realistic signals, and less than 3% even for exceptionally loud signals. We conclude that the algorithm is a safe and effective method for cleaning the cross-correlation data used in searches for long gravitational-wave transients.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2011

Accessibility of the Gravitational-Wave Background due to Binary Coalescences to Second and Third Generation Gravitational-Wave Detectors

Compact binary coalescences, such as binary neutron stars or black holes, are among the most promising candidate sources for the current and future terrestrial gravitational-wave detectors. While such sources are best searched using matched template techniques and chirp template banks, integrating chirp signals from binaries over the entire Universe also leads to a gravitational-wave background (GWB). In this paper we systematically scan the parameter space for the binary coalescence GWB models, taking into account uncertainties in the star formation rate and in the delay time between the formation and coalescence of the binary, and we compare the computed GWB to the sensitivities of the second and third generation gravitational-wave detector networks. We find that second generation detectors are likely to detect the binary coalescence GWB, while the third generation detectors will probe most of the available parameter space. The binary coalescence GWB will, in fact, be a foreground for the third-generation detectors, potentially masking the GWB background due to cosmological sources. Accessing the cosmological GWB with third generation detectors will therefore require identification and subtraction of all inspiral signals from all binaries in the detectors' frequency band.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

Long gravitational-wave transients and associated detection strategies for a network of terrestrial interferometers

Searches for gravitational waves (GWs) traditionally focus on persistent sources (e.g., pulsars or the stochastic background) or on transients sources (e.g., compact binary inspirals or core-collapse supernovae), which last for timescales of milliseconds to seconds. We explore the possibility of long GW transients with unknown waveforms lasting from many seconds to weeks. We propose a novel analysis technique to bridge the gap between short O(s) burst analyses and persistent stochastic analyses. Our technique utilizes frequency-time maps of GW strain cross-power between two spatially separated terrestrial GW detectors. The application of our cross-power statistic to searches for GW transients is framed as a pattern recognition problem, and we discuss several pattern-recognition techniques. We demonstrate these techniques by recovering simulated GW signals in simulated detector noise. We also recover environmental noise artifacts, thereby demonstrating a novel technique for the identification of such artifacts in GW interferometers. We compare the efficiency of this framework to other techniques such as matched filtering.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2010

Characterization of the seismic environment at the Sanford Underground Laboratory, South Dakota

An array of seismometers is being developed at the Sanford Underground Laboratory, the former Homestake mine, in South Dakota to study the properties of underground seismic fields and Newtonian noise, and to investigate the possible advantages of constructing a third-generation gravitational-wave detector underground. Seismic data were analyzed to characterize seismic noise and disturbances. External databases were used to identify sources of seismic waves: ocean-wave data to identify sources of oceanic microseisms, and surface wind-speed data to investigate correlations with seismic motion as a function of depth. In addition, sources of events contributing to the spectrum at higher frequencies are characterized by studying the variation of event rates over the course of a day. Long-term observations of spectral variations provide further insight into the nature of seismic sources. Seismic spectra at three different depths are compared, establishing the 4100-ft level as a world-class low seismic-noise environment.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Gravity-Gradient Subtraction in 3rd Generation Underground Gravitational-Wave Detectors in Homogeneous Media

In this paper, we develop a new approach to gravity-gradient noise subtraction for underground gravitational-wave detectors in homogeneous rock. The method is based on spatial harmonic expansions of seismic fields. It is shown that gravity-gradient noise produced by seismic fields from distant sources, stationary or non-stationary, can be calculated from seismic data measured locally at the test mass. Furthermore, the formula is applied to seismic fields from stationary local sources. It is found that gravity gradients from these fields can be subtracted using local seismic measurements. The results are confirmed numerically with a finite-element simulation. A new seismic-array design is proposed that provides the additional information about the seismic field required to ensure applicability of the approach to realistic scenarios even with inhomogeneous rock and non-stationary local sources.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Probing the anisotropies of a stochastic gravitational-wave background using a network of ground-based laser interferometers

We present a maximum-likelihood analysis for estimating the angular distribution of power in an anisotropic stochastic gravitational-wave background using ground-based laser interferometers. The standard isotropic and gravitational-wave radiometer searches (optimal for point sources) are recovered as special limiting cases. The angular distribution can be decomposed with respect to any set of basis functions on the sky, and the single-baseline, cross-correlation analysis is easily extended to a network of three or more detectors-that is, to multiple baselines. A spherical harmonic decomposition, which provides maximum-likelihood estimates of the multipole moments of the gravitational-wave sky, is described in detail. We also discuss: (i) the covariance matrix of the estimators and its relationship to the detector response of a network of interferometers, (ii) a singular-value decomposition method for regularizing the deconvolution of the detector response from the measured sky map, (iii) the expected increase in sensitivity obtained by including multiple baselines, and (iv) the numerical results of this method when applied to simulated data consisting of both point-like and di#use sources. Comparisions between this general method and the standard isotropic and radiometer searches are given throughout, to make contact with the existing literature on stochastic background searches.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2009

Simulation of underground gravity gradients from stochastic seismic fields

We present results obtained from a finite-element simulation of seismic displacement fields and of gravity gradients generated by those fields. The displacement field is constructed by a plane wave model with a 3D isotropic stochastic field and a 2D fundamental Rayleigh field. The plane wave model provides an accurate representation of stationary fields from distant sources. Underground gravity gradients are calculated as acceleration of a free test mass inside a cavity. The results are discussed in the context of gravity-gradient noise subtraction in third generation gravitational-wave detectors. Error analysis with respect to the density of the simulated grid leads to a derivation of an improved seismometer placement inside a 3D array which would be used in practice to monitor the seismic field.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Gravitational wave radiometry: Mapping a stochastic gravitational wave background

The problem of the detection and mapping of a stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB), either of cosmological or astrophysical origin, bears a strong semblance to the analysis of CMB anisotropy and polarization. The basic statistic we use is the cross-correlation between the data from a pair of detectors. In order to `point' the pair of detectors at different locations one must suitably delay the signal by the amount it takes for the gravitational waves (GW) to travel to both detectors corresponding to a source direction. Then the raw (observed) sky map of the SGWB is the signal convolved with a beam response function that varies with location in the sky. We first present a thorough analytic understanding of the structure of the beam response function using an analytic approach employing the stationary phase approximation. The true sky map is obtained by numerically deconvolving the beam function in the integral (convolution) equation. We adopt the maximum likelihood framework to estimate the true sky map that has been successfully used in the broadly similar, well-studied CMB map making problem. We numerically implement and demonstrate the method on simulated (unpolarized) SGWB for the radiometer consisting of the LIGO pair of detectors at Hanford and Livingston. We include `realistic' additive Gaussian noise in each data stream based on the LIGO-I noise power spectral density. The extension of the method to multiple baselines and polarized GWB is outlined. In the near future the network of GW detectors, including the Advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors that will be sensitive to sources within a thousand times larger spatial volume, could provide promising data sets for GW radiometry.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Gravitational wave stochastic background from cosmic (super)strings

We consider the stochastic background of gravitational waves produced by a network of cosmic strings and assess their accessibility to current and planned gravitational wave detectors, as well as to big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN), cosmic microwave background (CMB), and pulsar timing constraints. We find that current data from interferometric gravitational wave detectors, such as LIGO, are sensitive to areas of parameter space of cosmic string models complementary to those accessible to pulsar, BBN, and CMB bounds. Future more sensitive LIGO runs and interferometers such as Advanced LIGO and LISA will be able to explore substantial parts of the parameter space.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2006

Accessibility of the Pre-Big-Bang Models to LIGO

The recent search for a stochastic background of gravitational waves with LIGO interferometers has produced a new upper bound on the amplitude of this background in the 100 Hz region. We investigate the implications of the current and future LIGO results on pre-Big-Bang models of the early Universe, determining the exclusion regions in the parameter space of the minimal pre-Big Bang scenario. Although the current LIGO reach is still weaker than the indirect bound from Big-Bang nucleosynthesis, future runs by LIGO, in the coming year, and by Advanced LIGO (~2009) should further constrain the parameter space, and in some parts surpass the Big-Bang nucleosynthesis bound. It will be more diffcult to constrain the parameter space in non-minimal pre-Big-Bang models, which are characterized by multiple cosmological phases in the yet not well understood stringy phase, and where the higher-order curvature and/or quantum-loop corrections in the string effective action should be included.

astro-ph↗