Modeling the Galactic Neutron Star Population for Use in Continuous Gravitational-wave Searches

Apr 1, 2021
10 pages
Published in:
  • Astrophys.J. 921 (2021) 1, 89
  • Published: Nov 3, 2021
e-Print:

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Abstract: (IOP)
Searches for continuous gravitational waves (GW) from unknown Galactic neutron stars provide limits on the shapes of neutron stars. A rotating neutron star will produce GW if asymmetric deformations exist in its structure that are characterized by the star’s ellipticity. In this study, we use a simple model of the spatial and spin distribution of Galactic neutron stars to estimate the total number of neutron stars probed, using GW, to a given upper limit on the ellipticity. This may help optimize future searches with improved sensitivity. The improved sensitivity of third-generation GW detectors may increase the number of neutron stars probed, to a given ellipticity, by factors of 100 to 1000.
Note:
  • Accepted by ApJ
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