Search for transient gravitational waves in coincidence with short duration radio transients during 2007-2013

TL;DR

This study searched for coincident transient gravitational waves and short radio transients from 2007-2013, finding no evidence but establishing a methodology for future, more sensitive searches with advanced detectors.

Contribution

It introduces a method for searching for gravitational waves in coincidence with short radio transients, using archival data from multiple interferometers.

Findings

No gravitational-wave signals detected in coincidence with radio transients.

The analysis provides a framework for future searches with improved detectors.

Constraints on possible astrophysical sources of coincident signals.

Abstract

We present an archival search for transient gravitational-wave bursts in coincidence with 27 single pulse triggers from Green Bank Telescope pulsar surveys, using the LIGO, Virgo and GEO interferometer network. We also discuss a check for gravitational-wave signals in coincidence with Parkes Fast Radio Bursts using similar methods. Data analyzed in these searches were collected between 2007 and 2013. Possible sources of emission of both short-duration radio signals and transient gravitational-wave emission include starquakes on neutron stars, binary coalescence of neutron stars, and cosmic string cusps. While no evidence for gravitational-wave emission in coincidence with these radio transients was found, the current analysis serves as a prototype for similar future searches using more sensitive second-generation interferometers.