Low-Latency Algorithm for Multi-messenger Astrophysics (LLAMA) with Gravitational-Wave and High-Energy Neutrino Candidates
Abstract
We describe in detail the online data analysis pipeline that was used in the multi-messenger search for common sources of gravitational waves (GWs) and high-energy neutrinos (HENs) during the second observing period (O2) of Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo. Beyond providing added scientific insight into source events, low-latency coincident HENs can offer better localization than GWs alone, allowing for faster electromagnetic follow-up. Transitioning GW+HEN analyses to low-latency, automated pipelines is therefore mission-critical for future multi-messenger efforts. The O2 Low-Latency Algorithm for Multi-messenger Astrophysics (LLAMA) also served as a proof-of-concept for future online GW+HEN searches and led to a codebase that can handle other messengers as well. During O2, the pipeline was used to take LIGO/Virgo GW candidates as triggers and search in realtime for temporally coincident HEN candidates provided by the IceCube Collaboration that fell within the 90% confidence region of the reconstructed GW skymaps. The algorithm used NASA's Gamma-ray Coordinates Network to report coincident alerts to LIGO/Virgo's electromagnetic follow-up partners.
- Publication:
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AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division
- Pub Date:
- March 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019HEAD...1711001C