This dissertation discusses the development of software for use in aLIGO and tests on aLIGO data for verifying general relativity. I have constructed and tested critical components of aLIGO’s low-latency data analysis network. Low-latency refers to unno- ticeable delays in the performance of software. I have developed and tested low-latency calibration software that takes the raw data from the LIGO detectors and converts it into gravitational-wave strain. I have also conducted a search on initial LIGO data for gravitational waves from sub-solar mass black hole binary systems. This search is a proof-of-principle search for an aLIGO binary neutron star search, which is the most promis- ing search for the first direct gravitational-wave detection. Finally, I have investigated the ability of aLIGO to detect violations of general relativity through a gravitational- wave detection of the orbit and collision of two astrophysical objects. The dissertation work discussed here is aimed to improve low-latency data production and analysis in gravitational-wave physics and will further the scientific findings from a gravitational-wave detection.
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