First upper limit analysis and results from LIGO science data: stochastic background

TL;DR

This paper reports the first upper limit analysis on a stochastic gravitational wave background using LIGO's initial science data, setting a new constraint on gravitational wave energy density.

Contribution

It presents the first upper limit on a stochastic gravitational wave background derived from LIGO's initial science run data, demonstrating the capability of LIGO detectors for such measurements.

Findings

Set a 90% confidence upper limit of h_{100}^2 Omega_0 < 23 +/- 4.6

Analyzed correlations between LIGO's Livingston and Hanford detectors

Demonstrated the feasibility of stochastic background searches with LIGO data

Abstract

I describe analysis of correlations in the outputs of the three LIGO interferometers from LIGO's first science run, held over 17 days in August and September of 2002, and the resulting upper limit set on a stochastic background of gravitational waves. By searching for cross-correlations between the LIGO detectors in Livingston, LA and Hanford, WA, we are able to set a 90% confidence level upper limit of h_{100}^2 Omega_0 < 23 +/- 4.6.