A radiometer for stochastic gravitational waves

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new gravitational wave radiometer method to improve directional upper limits on stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds, enhancing LIGO's ability to detect or constrain such signals.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel radiometer technique for directional analysis of stochastic gravitational waves, intended for future LIGO data analysis.

Findings

Developed a gravitational wave radiometer method.

Demonstrated potential for improved directional sensitivity.

Applicable to future LIGO science runs.

Abstract

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration recently reported a new upper limit on an isotropic stochastic background of gravitational waves obtained based on the data from the 3rd LIGO science Run (S3). Now I present a new method for obtaining directional upper limits that the LIGO Scientific Collaboration intends to use for future LIGO science runs and that essentially implements a gravitational wave radiometer.