Search for gravitational-wave bursts associated with gamma-ray bursts using data from LIGO Science Run 5 and Virgo Science Run 1

TL;DR

This study searched for gravitational-wave bursts associated with 137 gamma-ray bursts using LIGO and Virgo data, but found no signals, setting upper limits on wave amplitudes and distances, and discussing astrophysical implications.

Contribution

First comprehensive search for GW bursts linked to GRBs during LIGO-Virgo S5 and V1 runs using a coherent analysis method, establishing upper limits and astrophysical constraints.

Findings

No gravitational-wave signals detected associated with GRBs.

Set upper limits on GW amplitude for each GRB.

Estimated lower bounds on distances to GRBs based on non-detection.

Abstract

We present the results of a search for gravitational-wave bursts associated with 137 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) that were detected by satellite-based gamma-ray experiments during the fifth LIGO science run and first Virgo science run. The data used in this analysis were collected from 2005 November 4 to 2007 October 1, and most of the GRB triggers were from the Swift satellite. The search uses a coherent network analysis method that takes into account the different locations and orientations of the interferometers at the three LIGO-Virgo sites. We find no evidence for gravitational-wave burst signals associated with this sample of GRBs. Using simulated short-duration (<1 s) waveforms, we set upper limits on the amplitude of gravitational waves associated with each GRB. We also place lower bounds on the distance to each GRB under the assumption of a fixed energy emission in gravitational waves, with typical limits of D ~ 15 Mpc (E_GW^iso / 0.01 M_o c^2)^1/2 for emission at frequencies around 150 Hz, where the LIGO-Virgo detector network has best sensitivity. We present astrophysical interpretations and implications of these results, and prospects for corresponding searches during future LIGO-Virgo runs.