A First Targeted Search for Gravitational-Wave Bursts from Core-Collapse Supernovae in Data of First-Generation Laser Interferometer Detectors

TL;DR

This paper reports on a targeted search for gravitational-wave bursts from two observed core-collapse supernovae using data from LIGO, Virgo, and GEO 600, finding no candidates but discussing detection prospects for future detectors.

Contribution

It is the first targeted search for gravitational waves from specific supernovae observed in the local universe using multiple detectors.

Findings

No plausible gravitational-wave candidates were found.

Detection probability depends on supernova distance and emission mechanisms.

Implications for future detection with advanced detectors are discussed.

Abstract

We present results from a search for gravitational-wave bursts coincident with a set of two core-collapse supernovae observed between 2007 and 2011. We employ data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), the Virgo gravitational-wave observatory, and the GEO 600 gravitational-wave observatory. The targeted core-collapse supernovae were selected on the basis of (1) proximity (within approximately 15 Mpc), (2) tightness of observational constraints on the time of core collapse that defines the gravitational-wave search window, and (3) coincident operation of at least two interferometers at the time of core collapse. We find no plausible gravitational-wave candidates. We present the probability of detecting signals from both astrophysically well-motivated and more speculative gravitational-wave emission mechanisms as a function of distance from Earth, and discuss the implications for the detection of gravitational waves from core-collapse supernovae by the upgraded Advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors.