The search for continuous gravitational waves with LIGO and Virgo detectors

Abstract

Continuous gravitational waves emitted by spinning neutron stars, isolated or in binary systems, are among the main targets of LIGO and Virgo interferometric detectors. No continuous wave has been detected so far, but significant upper limits, providing interesting constraints on the characteristics and demography of the potential sources, have been obtained. In this talk I will review the current status of continuous wave searches, highlight some recent results and discuss future prospects in this field.