Virgo Interferometer Research Articles

Magnetic coupling to the advanced Virgo payloads and its impact on the low frequency sensitivity.

We study the electromagnetic coupling of the Advanced Virgo (AdV) input mirror payload in response to a slowly time-varying magnetic field. As the problem is not amenable to analytical solution, we employ and validate a finite element (FE) analysis approach. The FE model is built to represent as faithfully as possible the real object, and it has been validated by comparison with experimental measurements. The intent is to estimate the induced currents and the magnetic field in the neighbourhood of the payload. The procedure found 21 equivalent electrical configurations that are compatible with the measurements. These have been used to compute the magnetic noise contribution to the total AdV strain noise. At the current stage of development, AdV seems to be unaffected by magnetic noise, but we foresee a non-negligible coupling once AdV reaches the design sensitivity.

The Impact of Vector Resonant Relaxation on the Evolution of Binaries near a Massive Black Hole: Implications for Gravitational-wave Sources

Abstract Binaries within the sphere of influence of a massive black hole (MBH) in galactic nuclei are susceptible to the Lidov–Kozai (LK) mechanism, which can drive orbits to high eccentricities and trigger strong interactions within the binary such as the emission of gravitational waves (GWs) and mergers of compact objects. These events are potential sources for GW detectors such as Advanced LIGO and VIRGO. The LK mechanism is only effective if the binary is highly inclined with respect to its orbit around the MBH (within a few degrees of 90°), implying low rates. However, close to an MBH, torques from the stellar cluster give rise to the process of vector resonant relaxation (VRR). VRR can bring a low-inclination binary into an “active” LK regime in which high eccentricities and strong interactions are triggered in the binary. Here, we study the coupled LK–VRR dynamics, with implications for LIGO and VIRGO GW sources. We carry out Monte Carlo simulations and find that the merger fraction enhancement due to LK–VRR dynamics is up to a factor of ∼10 for the lower end of assumed MBH masses ( ) and decreases sharply with increasing M •. We find that, even in our most optimistic scenario, the baseline BH–BH merger rate is small, and the enhancement by LK–VRR coupling is not large enough to increase the rate to well above the LIGO/VIRGO lower limit, . For the Galactic Center, the LK–VRR-enhanced rate is ∼100 times lower than the LIGO/VIRGO limit, and for , the rate barely reaches .

Measuring the Hubble constant: Gravitational wave observations meet galaxy clustering

We show how the distances to binary black holes measured in gravitational wave observations with ground-based interferometers can be used to constrain the redshift-distance relation and, thereby, measure the Hubble constant ($H_0$). Gravitational wave observations of stellar-mass binary black holes are not expected to be accompanied by any electro-magnetic event that may help in accessing their redshifts. We address this deficiency by using an optical catalog to get the distribution of galaxies in redshift. Assuming that the clustering of the binaries is correlated with that of the galaxies, we propose using that correlation to measure $H_0$. We show that employing this method on simulated data obtained for second-generation networks comprising at least three detectors, e.g., advanced LIGO - advanced VIRGO network, one can measure $H_0$ with an accuracy of $\sim$8% with detection of a reference population of 25 binaries, each with black holes of mass 10$M_\odot$. As expected, with third-generation detectors like the Einstein telescope (ET), which will measure distances much more accurately and to greater depths, one can obtain better estimates for $H_0$. Specifically, we show that with 25 observations, ET can constrain $H_0$ to an accuracy of $\sim$7%. This method can also be used to estimate other cosmological parameters like the matter density $\Omega_m$ and the dark energy equation of state.

Image-based deep learning for classification of noise transients in gravitational wave detectors

The detection of gravitational waves has inaugurated the era of gravitational astronomy and opened new avenues for the multimessenger study of cosmic sources. Thanks to their sensitivity, the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo interferometers will probe a much larger volume of space and expand the capability of discovering new gravitational wave emitters. The characterization of these detectors is a primary task in order to recognize the main sources of noise and optimize the sensitivity of interferometers. Glitches are transient noise events that can impact the data quality of the interferometers and their classification is an important task for detector characterization. Deep learning techniques are a promising tool for the recognition and classification of glitches. We present a classification pipeline that exploits convolutional neural networks to classify glitches starting from their time-frequency evolution represented as images. We evaluated the classification accuracy on simulated glitches, showing that the proposed algorithm can automatically classify glitches on very fast timescales and with high accuracy, thus providing a promising tool for online detector characterization.

Status of the Monolithic Suspensions for Advanced Virgo

Successfully implemented in GEO and Virgo+, the monolithic suspensions are one of the most important upgrades in the second generation of gravitational wave interferometric detectors, including Advanced LIGO (aLIGO) and Advanced Virgo (AdV). Characterized by a very low thermal noise, monolithic suspensions are essential for improving the interferometers sensitivity at low frequencies (10-100Hz). In Advanced Virgo their installation was delayed because of a contamination problem in the vacuum system: dust produced by scroll pumps was injected in the main vacuum chambers during the venting processes, damaging the fibers and ultimately causing their repeated failure. The effort to explain and resolve this issue was useful to further confirm the suspensions’ reliability and our control on the production process. Moreover, we developed and implemented new tools and procedures to certify each part of the monolithic suspensions. In the meanwhile, in order to join aLIGO during its second Observation Run (O2), a temporary steel suspension was implemented, based on the initial Virgo design. That solution allowed us to contribute to the first three-detector observation of a gravitational wave (GW) ([1]), and to the first observation of a coalescing neutron star binary ([2]) In the near future the monolithic suspensions will be reinstalled along with additional upgrades of Virgo.

The payloads of Advanced Virgo: current status and upgrades

The development and integration of new detector payloads has been an important part of the Advanced Virgo (AdV) project, the major upgrade of the Virgo interferometric detector of Gravitational Waves, aiming to increase the detector sensitivity by one order of magnitude. During the integration phase of the new AdV payloads with monolithic suspension of mirrors we experienced systematic suspension failures later identified as caused by dust contamination of the vacuum system. In order to not postpone the detector commissioning, making possible to join the LIGO O2 observation run, the Collaboration decided to proceed with the integration of the payloads relying on steel wire suspensions for all the mirrors. In this proceeding the status of the currently integrated payloads is reported, including their angular control characterization and the Q-factor measurements for test mass steel wire suspensions. The payload upgrade for the re-integration of monolithic suspensions after the O2 run is reported in the last section.

Status of Advanced Virgo

The LIGO and the Virgo collaborations have recently announced the first detections of Gravitational Waves. Due to their weak amplitude, Gravitational Waves are expected to produce a very small effect on free-falling masses, which undergo a displacement of the order of 10-18 m for a Km-scale mutual distance. This discovery showed that interferometric detectors are suitable to reveal such a feeble effect, and therefore represent a new tool for astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology in the understanding of the Universe. To better reconstruct the position of the Gravitational Wave source and increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the events by means of multiple coincidence, a network of detectors is necessary. In the USA, the LIGO project has recently concluded its second Observation Run (O2) with a couple of twin 4 kilometer-long arms detectors which are placed in Washington State and Louisiana. Advanced VIRGO (AdV) is a 3 kilometer-long arms second generation interferometer situated in Cascina, near Pisa in Italy. The installation of AdV has been completed in 2016, and the first commissioning phase allowed to get to the target early-stage sensitivity, which was sufficient to join LIGO in the O2 scientific run. In this paper, the challenges of the commissioning of AdV will be presented, together with its current performances and future perspectives. Finally, in the last paragraph the latest discoveries that occurred after the ICNFP 2017 conference will be also described.

On Gravitational Waves: Did We Simply Detect the Gravitational Effect of the Sun on the Photons Moving in the Cavity of Interferometers LIGO and VIRGO?

On September 14, 2015 09:50:45 UTC, the two laser interferometers of the LIGO program simultaneously observed a first gravitational wave signal called GW150914. With the commissioning of the VIRGO interferometer in 2017, two other detections, GW170814 and GW170817, were observed and their positions given accurately by LIGO and VIRGO. In this article, I argue that the photons circulating in the cavities of the three interferometers of LIGO and VIRGO were sensitive to the field of attraction of the planets of our Solar System and more particularly to that of the Sun, and would not be due to a coalescence of black hole or neutron stars. The shape of the signals obtained by my interaction model (called GEAR) between the photons in the interferometer cavity and the gravitational field of the Sun is very similar to that of a compact binary coalescence, identical to those obtained by general relativity. Solving the equations of GEAR also gives the exact positions and pseudo-date of the coalescences of all the LIGO and VIRGO detections detected so far, and probably those that will come at the end of 2018 and beyond.

The Discovery of the Electromagnetic Counterpart of GW170817: Kilonova AT 2017gfo/DLT17ck

Abstract During the second observing run of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) and Virgo Interferometer, a gravitational-wave signal consistent with a binary neutron star coalescence was detected on 2017 August 17th (GW170817), quickly followed by a coincident short gamma-ray burst trigger detected by the Fermi satellite. The Distance Less Than 40 (DLT40) Mpc supernova search performed pointed follow-up observations of a sample of galaxies regularly monitored by the survey that fell within the combined LIGO+Virgo localization region and the larger Fermi gamma-ray burst error box. Here we report the discovery of a new optical transient (DLT17ck, also known as SSS17a; it has also been registered as AT 2017gfo) spatially and temporally coincident with GW170817. The photometric and spectroscopic evolution of DLT17ck is unique, with an absolute peak magnitude of M r = −15.8 ± 0.1 and an r-band decline rate of 1.1 mag day−1. This fast evolution is generically consistent with kilonova models, which have been predicted as the optical counterpart to binary neutron star coalescences. Analysis of archival DLT40 data does not show any sign of transient activity at the location of DLT17ck down to r ∼ 19 mag in the time period between 8 months and 21 days prior to GW170817. This discovery represents the beginning of a new era for multi-messenger astronomy, opening a new path by which to study and understand binary neutron star coalescences, short gamma-ray bursts, and their optical counterparts.

Comparison of methods for the detection of gravitational waves from unknown neutron stars

Rapidly rotating neutron stars are promising sources of continuous gravitational wave radiation for the LIGO and Virgo interferometers. The majority of neutron stars in our galaxy have not been identified with electromagnetic observations. All-sky searches for isolated neutron stars offer the potential to detect gravitational waves from these unidentified sources. The parameter space of these blind all-sky searches, which also cover a large range of frequencies and frequency derivatives, presents a significant computational challenge. Different methods have been designed to perform these searches within acceptable computational limits. Here we describe the first benchmark in a project to compare the search methods currently available for the detection of unknown isolated neutron stars. We employ a mock data challenge to compare the ability of each search method to recover signals simulated assuming a standard signal model. We find similar performance among the short duration search methods, while the long duration search method achieves up to a factor of two higher sensitivity. We find the absence of second derivative frequency in the search parameter space does not degrade search sensivity for signals with physically plausible second derivative frequencies. We also report on the parameter estimation accuracy of each search method, and the stability of the sensitivity in frequency, frequency derivative and in the presence of detector noise.

Synthetic model of the gravitational wave background from evolving binary compact objects

Modeling the stochastic gravitational wave background from various astrophysical sources is a key objective in view of upcoming observations with ground- and space-based gravitational wave observatories such as Advanced LIGO, VIRGO, eLISA and PTA. We develop a synthetic model framework that follows the evolution of single and binary compact objects in an astrophysical context. We describe the formation and merger rates of binaries, the evolution of their orbital parameters with time and the spectrum of emitted gravitational waves at different stages of binary evolution. Our approach is modular and allows us to test and constrain different ingredients of the model, including stellar evolution, black hole formation scenarios and the properties of binary systems. We use this framework in the context of a particularly well-motivated astrophysical setup to calculate the gravitational wave background from several types of sources, including inspiraling stellar-mass binary black holes that have not merged during a Hubble time. We find that this signal, albeit weak, has a characteristic shape that can help constrain the properties of binary black holes in a way complementary to observations of the background from merger events. We discuss possible applications of our framework in the context of other gravitational wave sources, such as supermassive black holes.

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

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.

PRECISION EPHEMERIDES FOR GRAVITATIONAL WAVE SEARCHES. II. CYG X-2

ABSTRACT Accreting neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries are candidate high-frequency persistent gravitational wave sources. These may be detectable with next-generation interferometers such as Advanced LIGO/VIRGO within this decade. However, the search sensitivity is expected to be limited principally by the uncertainty in the binary system parameters. We combine new optical spectroscopy of Cyg X-2 obtained with the Liverpool Telescope with available historical radial velocity data, which gives us improved orbital parameter uncertainties based on a 44 year baseline. We obtained an improvement of a factor of 2.6 in the orbital period precision and a factor of 2 in the epoch of inferior conjunction T 0. The updated orbital parameters imply a mass function of 0.65 ± 0.01 M ⊙, leading to a primary mass (M 1) of 1.67 ± 0.22 M ⊙ (for ). In addition, we estimate the likely orbital parameter precision through to the expected Advanced LIGO and VIRGO detector observing period and quantify the corresponding improvement in sensitivity via the required number of templates.

Advanced Virgo phase cameras

A century after the prediction of gravitational waves, detectors have reached the sensitivity needed to proof their existence. One of them, the Virgo interferometer in Pisa, is presently being upgraded to Advanced Virgo (AdV) and will come into operation in 2016. The power stored in the interferometer arms raises from 20 to 700 kW. This increase is expected to introduce higher order modes in the beam, which could reduce the circulating power in the interferometer, limiting the sensitivity of the instrument. To suppress these higher-order modes, the core optics of Advanced Virgo is equipped with a thermal compensation system. Phase cameras, monitoring the real-time status of the beam constitute a critical component of this compensation system. These cameras measure the phases and amplitudes of the laser-light fields at the frequencies selected to control the interferometer. The measurement combines heterodyne detection with a scan of the wave front over a photodetector with pin-hole aperture. Three cameras observe the phase front of these laser sidebands. Two of them monitor the in-and output of the interferometer arms and the third one is used in the control of the aberrations introduced by the power recycling cavity. In this paper the working principle of the phase cameras is explained and some characteristic parameters are described.

Phase camera experiment for Advanced Virgo

We report on a study of the phase camera, which is a frequency selective wave-front sensor of a laser beam. This sensor is utilized for monitoring sidebands produced by phase modulations in a gravitational wave (GW) detector. Regarding the operation of the GW detectors, the laser modulation/demodulation method is used to measure mirror displacements and used for the position controls. This plays a significant role because the quality of controls affect the noise level of the GW detector. The phase camera is able to monitor each sideband separately, which has a great benefit for the manipulation of the delicate controls. Also, overcoming mirror aberrations will be an essential part of Advanced Virgo (AdV), which is a GW detector close to Pisa. Especially low-frequency sidebands can be affected greatly by aberrations in one of the interferometer cavities. The phase cameras allow tracking such changes because the state of the sidebands gives information on mirror aberrations. A prototype of the phase camera has been developed and is currently tested. The performance checks are almost completed and the installation of the optics at the AdV site has started. After the installation and commissioning, the phase camera will be combined to a thermal compensation system that consists of CO2 lasers and compensation plates. In this paper, we focus on the prototype and show some limitations from the scanner performance.

The Advanced Virgo monolithic fused silica suspension

The detection of gravitational waves is one of the most challenging prospects faced by experimental physicists. Suspension thermal noise is an important noise source at operating frequencies between approximately 10 and 30Hz, and represents a limit to the sensitivity of the ground based interferometric gravitational wave detectors. Its effects can be reduced by minimizing the losses and by optimizing the geometry of the suspension fiber as well as its attachment system. In this proceeding we will describe the mirrors double stage monolithic suspension system to be used in the Advanced Virgo (AdV) detector. We also present the results of the thermal noise study, performed with the help of a finite elements model, taking into account the precise geometry of the fibers attachment systems on the suspension elements. We shall demonstrate the suitability of this suspension for installation in AdV.

Gravitational waves from Scorpius X-1: A comparison of search methods and prospects for detection with advanced detectors

The low-mass X-ray binary Scorpius X-1 (Sco X-1) is potentially the most luminous source of continuous gravitational-wave radiation for interferometers such as LIGO and Virgo. For low-mass X-ray binaries this radiation would be sustained by active accretion of matter from its binary companion. With the Advanced Detector Era fast approaching, work is underway to develop an array of robust tools for maximizing the science and detection potential of Sco X-1. We describe the plans and progress of a project designed to compare the numerous independent search algorithms currently available. We employ a mock-data challenge in which the search pipelines are tested for their relative proficiencies in parameter estimation, computational efficiency, robust- ness, and most importantly, search sensitivity. The mock-data challenge data contains an ensemble of 50 Scorpius X-1 (Sco X-1) type signals, simulated within a frequency band of 50-1500 Hz. Simulated detector noise was generated assuming the expected best strain sensitivity of Advanced LIGO and Advanced VIRGO ($4 \times 10^{-24}$ Hz$^{-1/2}$). A distribution of signal amplitudes was then chosen so as to allow a useful comparison of search methodologies. A factor of 2 in strain separates the quietest detected signal, at $6.8 \times 10^{-26}$ strain, from the torque-balance limit at a spin frequency of 300 Hz, although this limit could range from $1.2 \times 10^{-25}$ (25 Hz) to $2.2 \times 10^{-26}$ (750 Hz) depending on the unknown frequency of Sco X-1. With future improvements to the search algorithms and using advanced detector data, our expectations for probing below the theoretical torque-balance strain limit are optimistic.

The Advanced Virgo detector

The Advanced Virgo interferometer is the upgraded version of the Virgo detector having the goal to extend by a factor 10 the observation horizon in the universe and consequently increase the detection rate by three orders of magnitude. Its installation is in progress and is expected to be completed in late 2015. In this proceeding we will present the scheme and the main challenging technical features of the detector and we will give an outline of the installation status and the foreseen time schedule which will bring Advanced Virgo to its full operation.

Prospects for intermediate mass black hole binary searches with advanced gravitational-wave detectors

We estimated the sensitivity of the upcoming advanced ground-based gravitational-wave observatories (the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA interferometers) to coalescing intermediate mass black hole binaries (IMBHB). We added waveforms modeling the gravitational radiation emitted by IMBHBs to simulated data from detectors and searched for the injected signals with the coherent WaveBurst algorithm. The tested parameter space of the binaries covers nonspinning IMBHBs with source-frame total masses between 50 and $1050{\mathrm{M}}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ and mass ratios between $1/6$ and 1. We found that advanced detectors could be sensitive to these systems up to a range of a few Gpc. A theoretical model was adopted to estimate the expected observation rates, yielding up to a few tens of events per year. Thus, our results indicate that advanced detectors will have a reasonable chance to collect the first direct evidence for intermediate mass black holes and to open a new, intriguing channel for probing the Universe over cosmological scales.

Discriminating hadronic and quark stars through gravitational waves of fluid pulsation modes

One of the key aspects in the comprehension of neutron star (NS) interiors is the identification of observables that may impose constraints on the equation of state (EoS). At present, limits are obtained mainly through the study of the mass–radius relationship, the maximum rotational frequency and the cooling behaviour. However, since gravitational wave (GW) observatories such as Advanced LIGO and Advanced VIRGO will open a new window of the observation of NSs in the very near future, identifying observables that may emerge from the analysis of the GW emission of NSs is crucial. To this end, we investigate non-radial oscillations of hadronic, hybrid and pure self-bound strange quark stars with maximum masses above the mass of the recently observed massive pulsars PSR J1614–2230 and PSR J0348–0432 with M ≈ 2 . For the hadronic EoS we employ different parametrizations of a relativistic mean-field model and the EoS of Akmal, Pandharipande and Ravenhall. For quark matter we use the Massachusetts Institute of Technology bag model, including the effect of strong interactions and colour superconductivity. We find that the first pressure mode for strange quark stars has a very different shape than for hadronic and hybrid stars. For strange quarks stars, the frequency of the mode is larger than ∼ 7 kHz and diverges at small stellar masses, but for hadronic and hybrid stars it is in the range ∼ 4–7 kHz. This allows an observational identification of strange stars even if extra information such as the mass, the radius or the gravitational redshift of the object is unavailable or uncertain. Also, we find as in previous works that the frequency of the g-mode associated with the quark–hadron discontinuity in a hybrid star is in the range 0.4–1 kHz for all masses. Thus, compact objects emitting GWs above 7 kHz should be interpreted as strange quark stars, and those emitting a signal within 0.4–1 kHz should be interpreted as hybrid stars.