First Search for Nontensorial Gravitational Waves from Known Pulsars
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-19-2018
Keywords
Gravity, Theories, Astrophysics
Abstract
We present results from the first directed search for nontensorial gravitational waves. While general relativity allows for tensorial (plus and cross) modes only, a generic metric theory may, in principle, predict waves with up to six different polarizations. This analysis is sensitive to continuous signals of scalar, vector, or tensor polarizations, and does not rely on any specific theory of gravity. After searching data from the first observation run of the advanced LIGO detectors for signals at twice the rotational frequency of 200 known pulsars, we find no evidence of gravitational waves of any polarization. We report the first upper limits for scalar and vector strains, finding values comparable in magnitude to previously published limits for tensor strain. Our results may be translated into constraints on specific alternative theories of gravity.
Journal Title
Physical Review Letters
Volume
120
First Page
031104
DOI
10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.031104
First Department
Physics
Recommended Citation
Summerscales, Tiffany; LIGO Scientific Collaboration; and Virgo Collaboration, "First Search for Nontensorial Gravitational Waves from Known Pulsars" (2018). Faculty Publications. 804.
https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pubs/804