Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-12-2013
Abstract
We propose a graphical representation of detector sensitivity curves for stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds that takes into account the increase in sensitivity that comes from integrating over frequency in addition to integrating over time. This method is valid for backgrounds that have a power-law spectrum in the analysis band. We call these graphs “power-law integrated curves.” For simplicity, we consider cross-correlation searches for unpolarized and isotropic stochastic backgrounds using two or more detectors. We apply our method to construct power-law integrated sensitivity curves for second-generation ground-based detectors such as Advanced LIGO, space-based detectors such as LISA and the Big Bang Observer, and timing residuals from a pulsar timing array. The code used to produce these plots is available at https://dcc.ligo.org/LIGO-P1300115/public for researchers interested in constructing similar sensitivity curves.
Recommended Citation
Thrane, Eric, and Joseph D. Romano. "Sensitivity curves for searches for gravitational-wave backgrounds." Physical Review D 88.12 (2013): 124032. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.88.124032
Publication Title
Physical Review D
DOI
10.1103/PhysRevD.88.124032
Comments
© 2013 American Physical Society. Original published version available at https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.88.124032