The Pennsylvania State University
Grant: $300,000 - National Science Foundation - Aug. 15, 2009
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Award Description: This award supports development and implementation of newsearches for gravitationalwaves with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), as well as astrophysical guidance for and interpretation of new and ongoing searches. The new searches focus on the youngest neutron stars and themost rapidly accreting neutron stars, which are likely the strongest sources of continuous gravitational waves. Such signals will ultimately provide the most precise direct measurements of the structure of neutron star interiors and shed light on the physics of matter at supernuclear densities. This award will also support education and research training of students who can work on the interfaces between gravitational physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics.
Project Description: Connecting LIGO results to astronomical observations and astrophysical theory will directly increase the sensitivity of continuous wave searches, for example by pinpointing likely locations of sources. This will further LIGO’s transformation from a prototype instrument setting isolated upper limits into a tool for exploring the physics and astrophysics of neutron stars, and broaden LIGO’s impact on the astrophysics and nuclear physics communities. Much of the work is done in concert with the Australian ACIGA and British-German GEO600 contingents of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, strengthening international cooperation in the gravitational physics community.
Jobs Summary: A Principal Investigator and one part-time graduate student were assigned to this research project. This will provide an opportunity for expended knowledge and work-study, whil facilitating the objectives of the project. (Total jobs reported: 1)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Aug. 15, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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