Constraints on cosmic (super)strings from the LIGO-Virgo gravitational-wave detectors.

Document #:

LIGO-P1300093-v12

Document type:

P - Publications

Abstract:

Cosmic string cusps produce powerful bursts of gravitational waves (GWs). These bursts provide the most promising observational signature of cosmic strings. In this letter we report stringent limits on cosmic string models obtained from the analysis of 625 days of observation with the LIGO and Virgo GW detectors. A significant fraction of the cosmic string parameter space is ruled out. This result complements and improves existing limits from searches for a stochastic background of GWs using cosmic microwave background and pulsar timing data. In particular, if the size of loops is given by gravitational back-reaction, we place upper limits on the string tension \( G\mu \) below \( 10^{-8} \) in some regions of the cosmic string parameter space.

Files in Document:

• paper.pdf (259.9 kB)

Other Files:

• Figure 1: detection efficiency (string_efficiency.txt, 21.4 kB)
• Figure 2: Upper limit for p=1 (exclusion_1e-0.txt, 5.0 kB)
• Figure 2: Upper limit for p=1e-1 (exclusion_1e-1.txt, 6.1 kB)
• Figure 2: Upper limit for p=1e-2 (exclusion_1e-2.txt, 7.9 kB)
• Figure 2: Upper limit for p=1e-3 (exclusion_1e-3.txt, 8.5 kB)

Topics:

• GW Bursts
• Astrophysics / Multi-messenger
• Data Analysis

Author Groups:

• LVC

Notes and Changes:

For public release

Publication Information:

Public outreach science summary:
https://www.lsc-group.phys.uwm.edu/webcommphp/science/Publication-S5S6CosmicStrings/index.php

arXiv posting:
http://arxiv.org/abs/1310.2384