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We present the results from a search for gravitational-wave transients associated with core-collapse supernovae observed optically within 30 Mpc during the third observing run of Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo. No gravitational wave associated with a core-collapse supernova has been identified. We then report the detection efficiency for a variety of possible gravitational-wave emissions. For neutrino-driven explosions, the distance at which we reach 50% detection efficiency is up to 8.9 kpc, while more energetic magnetorotationally-driven explosions are detectable at larger distances. The distance reaches for selected models of the black hole formation, and quantum chromodynamics phase transition are also provided. We then constrain the core-collapse supernova engine across a wide frequency range from 50 Hz to 2 kHz. The upper limits on gravitational-wave energy and luminosity emission are at low frequencies down to $10^{-4}\,M_\odot c^2$ and $6 \times 10^{-4}\,M_\odot c^2$/s, respectively. The upper limits on the proto-neutron star ellipticity are down to 3 at high frequencies. Finally, by combining the results obtained with the data from the first and second observing runs of LIGO and Virgo, we improve the constraints of the parameter spaces of the extreme emission models. Specifically, the proto-neutron star ellipticities for the long-lasting bar mode model are down to 1 for long emission (1 s) at high frequency., Comment: 20 pages, 11 figures; https://dcc.ligo.org/LIGO-P2200361

We present our study of stability of differentially rotating, axisymmetric neutron stars described by a polytropic equation of state with $\Gamma = 2$. We focus on quasi-toroidal solutions with a degree of differential rotation $\widetilde A=1$. Our results show that for a wide range of parameters hypermassive, quasi-toroidal neutron stars are dynamically stable against quasi-radial perturbations, which may have implications for newly born neutron stars and binary neutron stars mergers., Comment: Presented at the 8th Conference of the Polish Society on Relativity, submitted to Acta Physica Polonica B Proceedings Supplement

In this work we investigate properties of intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) that escape from star clusters due to dynamical interactions. The studied models were simulated as part of the preliminary second survey carried out using the MOCCA code (MOCCA-SURVEY Database II), which is based on the Monte Carlo N-body method and does not include gravitational wave recoil kick prescriptions of the binary black hole merger product. We have found that IMBHs are more likely to be formed and ejected in models where both initial central density and central escape velocities have high values. Most of our studied objects escape in a binary with another black hole (BH) as their companion and have masses between $100$ and $140\: M_{\odot}$. Escaping IMBHs tend to build-up mass most effectively through repeated mergers in a binary with BHs due to gravitational wave emission. Binaries play a key role in their ejection from the system as they allow these massive objects to gather energy needed for escape. The binaries in which IMBHs escape tend to have very high binding energy at the time of escape and the last interaction is strong but does not involve a massive intruder. These IMBHs gain energy needed to escape the cluster gradually in successive dynamical interactions. We present specific examples of the history of IMBH formation and escape from star cluster models. We also discuss the observational implications of our findings as well as the potential influence of the gravitational wave recoil kicks on the process., Comment: 11 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publish to MNRAS

We performed a detailed analysis of the detectability of a wide range of gravitational waves derived from core-collapse supernova simulations using gravitational-wave detector noise scaled to the sensitivity of the upcoming fourth and fifth observing runs of the Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo, and KAGRA. We use the coherent WaveBurst algorithm, which was used in the previous observing runs to search for gravitational waves from core-collapse supernovae. As coherent WaveBurst makes minimal assumptions on the morphology of a gravitational-wave signal, it can play an important role in the first detection of gravitational waves from an event in the Milky Way. We predict that signals from neutrino-driven explosions could be detected up to an average distance of 10 kpc, and distances of over 100 kpc can be reached for explosions of rapidly rotating progenitor stars. An estimated minimum signal-to-noise ratio of 10-25 is needed for the signals to be detected. We quantify the accuracy of the waveforms reconstructed with coherent WaveBurst and we determine that the most challenging signals to reconstruct are those produced in long-duration neutrino-driven explosions and models that form black holes a few seconds after the core bounce., Comment: 20 pages, 12 figures, 3 tables

We present the first fully relativistic numerical calculations of differentially rotating Strange Quark Stars models for broad ranges of the maximum density and of the degree of differential rotation. Our simulations are performed with the very accurate and stable multi-domain spectral code FlatStar and use the MIT Bag model for describing strange quark matter. Our calculations based on a thorough exploration of the solution space show that the maximum mass of strange stars depends on both the degree of differential rotation and a type of solution, similarly to neutron stars described by a polytropic equations of state. The highest increase of the maximum mass (compared to the value for a non-rotating star) is obtained for models with a low degree of differential rotation. This highest mass is over four times larger than that of the equivalent non rotating configuration. Comparing our results with calculations done for realistic models of neutron stars, we conclude that with the help of differential rotation, strange stars can sustain masses much larger than stars made from nuclear matter for low degree of differential rotation which reinforces the hope of demonstrating, or of ruling out, the existence of strange matter through the observation by gravitational waves, by gamma rays or by neutrinos of the massive material object born from the merger of a compact binary system or during some supernova events., Comment: 17 pages, 17 figures, ApJ accepted

The grand challenges of contemporary fundamental physics---dark matter, dark energy, vacuum energy, inflation and early universe cosmology, singularities and the hierarchy problem---all involve gravity as a key component. And of all gravitational phenomena, black holes stand out in their elegant simplicity, while harbouring some of the most remarkable predictions of General Relativity: event horizons, singularities and ergoregions. The hitherto invisible landscape of the gravitational Universe is being unveiled before our eyes: the historical direct detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO-Virgo collaboration marks the dawn of a new era of scientific exploration. Gravitational-wave astronomy will allow us to test models of black hole formation, growth and evolution, as well as models of gravitational-wave generation and propagation. It will provide evidence for event horizons and ergoregions, test the theory of General Relativity itself, and may reveal the existence of new fundamental fields. The synthesis of these results has the potential to radically reshape our understanding of the cosmos and of the laws of Nature. The purpose of this work is to present a concise, yet comprehensive overview of the state of the art in the relevant fields of research, summarize important open problems, and lay out a roadmap for future progress., Comment: White Paper for the COST action "Gravitational Waves, Black Holes, and Fundamental Physics", 272 pages, 12 figures; v4: updated references and author list. Overall improvements and corrections. To appear in Classical and Quantum Gravity

We study the main astrophysical properties of differentially rotating neutron stars described as stationary and axisymmetric configurations of a moderately stiff $\Gamma=2$ polytropic fluid. The high level of accuracy and of stability of our relativistic multidomain pseudo-spectral code enables us to explore the whole solution space for broad ranges of the degree of differential rotation, but also of the stellar density and oblateness. Staying within an astrophysicaly motivated range of rotation profiles, we investigate the characteristics of neutron stars with maximal mass for all types of families of differentially rotating relativistic objects identified in a previous article Ansorg, Gondek-Rosinsla, Villain (2009). We find that the maximum mass depends on both the degree of differential rotation and on the type of solution. It turns out that the maximum allowed mass can be up to 4 times higher than what it is for non-rotating stars with the same equation of state. Such values are obtained for a modest degree of differential rotation but for one of the newly discovered type of solutions. Since such configurations of stars are not that extreme, this result may have important consequences for the gravitational wave signal to expect from coalescing neutron star binaries or from some supernovae events., Comment: 15 pages, 17 fiigures, submitted to the Astrophysical Journal

In this first of a series of papers, we utilize results for around two thousand star cluster models simulated using the MOCCA code for star cluster evolution (Survey Database I) to determine the astrophysical properties and local merger rate densities for coalescing binary black holes (BBHs) originating from globular clusters (GCs). We extracted information for all coalescing BBHs that escape the cluster models and subsequently merge within a Hubble time along with BBHs that are retained in our GC models and merge inside the cluster via gravitational wave (GW) emission. By obtaining results from a substantial number of realistic star cluster models that cover different initial parameters, we have an extremely large statistical sample of BBHs with stellar mass and massive stellar BH ($\lesssim 100M_{\odot}$) components that merge within a Hubble time. Using this data, we estimate local merger rate densities for these BBHs originating from GCs to be at least 5.4 ${\rm Gpc}^{-3}\,{\rm yr}^{-1}$, Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in MNRAS Letters

We present the results of a study of the low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1636-536. We have performed temporal analysis of all available RXTE/ASM, Swift/BAT and MAXI data. We have confirmed the previously discovered quasi-periodicity of ~45 d present during ~2004, however we found it continued to 2006. At other epochs, the quasi-periodicity is only transient, and the quasi-period, if present, drifts. We have then applied a time-dependent accretion disc model to the interval with the significant X-ray quasi-periodicity. For our best model, the period and the amplitude of the theoretical light curve agree well with that observed. The modelled quasi-periodicity is due to the hydrogen thermal-ionization instability occurring in outer regions of the accretion disc. The model parameters are the average mass accretion rate (estimated from the light curves), and the accretion disc viscosity parameters, for the hot and cold phases. Our best model gives relatively low values of viscosity parameter for cold phase 0.01 and for hot phase 0.03., Comment: Submited to Astronomy&Astrophysics

We report on numerical calculations of orbital and epicyclic frequencies in nearly circular orbits around rotating neutron stars and strange quark stars. The FPS equation of state was used to describe the neutron star structure while the MIT bag model was used to model the equation of state of strange quark stars. The uniformly rotating stellar configurations were computed in full general relativity. We find that the vertical epicyclic frequency is very sensitive to the oblateness of the rotating star. For models of rotating neutron stars of moderate mass, as well as for strange quark star models, the sense of the nodal precession of test particle orbits close to the star changes at a certain stellar rotation rate. These findings may have implications for models of kHz QPOs., Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures (4 panels). To appear in Proceedings of RAGtime 14/15/16, S. Hledik and Z. Stuchlik, eds

Kilohertz QPOs can be used as a probe of the inner regions of accretion disks in compact stars and hence also of the properties of the central object. Most models of kHz QPOs involve epicyclic frequencies to explain their origin. We compute the epicyclic frequencies of nearly circular orbits around rotating strange quark stars. The MIT bag model is used to model the equation of state of quark matter and the uniformly rotating stellar configurations are computed in full general relativity. The vertical epicyclic frequency and the related nodal precession rate of inclined orbits are very sensitive to the oblateness of the rotating star. For slowly rotating stellar models of moderate and high mass strange stars, the sense of the nodal precession changes at a certain rotation rate. At lower stellar rotation rates the orbital nodal precession is prograde, as it is in the Kerr metric, while at higher rotation rates the precession is retrograde, as it is for Maclaurin spheroids. Thus, qualitatively, the orbits around rapidly rotating strange quark stars are affected more strongly by the effects of stellar oblateness than by the effects of general relativity. We show that epicyclic and orbital frequencies calculated numerically for small mass strange stars are in very good agreement with analytical formulae for Maclaurin spheroids., Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures, submitted to Physical Review D

A highly accurate, multi-domain spectral code is used in order to construct sequences of general relativistic, differentially rotating neutron stars in axisymmetry and stationarity. For bodies with a spheroidal topology and a homogeneous or an N=1 polytropic equation of state, we investigate the solution space corresponding to broad ranges of degree of differential rotation and stellar densities. In particular, starting from static and spherical configurations, we analyse the changes of the corresponding surface shapes as the rate of rotation is increased. For a sufficiently weak degree of differential rotation, the sequences terminate at a mass-shedding limit, while for moderate and strong rates of differential rotation, they exhibit a continuous parametric transition to a regime of toroidal fluid bodies. In this article, we concentrate on the appearance of this transition, analyse in detail its occurrence and show its relevance for the calculation of astrophysical sequences. Moreover, we find that the solution space contains various types of spheroidal configurations, which were not considered in previous work, mainly due to numerical limitations., Comment: 9 pages, 10 figures, version to be published in MNRAS ; no major changes with respect to v1: title, abstract and other things were modified to put more emphasis on general aspects of the work

We present calculations of the final phase of inspiral of irrotational strange star binaries. Two types of equation of state at zero temperature are used - the MIT bag model and the Dey et al. 1998 model of strange quark matter. We study the precoalescence stage within the Isenberg-Wilson-Mathews approximation of General Relativity using a multidomain spectral method. The gravitational-radiation driven evolution of the binary system is approximated by a sequence of quasi-equilibrium configurations at a fixed baryon number and with decreasing separation. We find that the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) is determined always by an orbital instability for binaries consisting of two stars built predominantly of strange quark matter independently on the total mass of a binary system and compactness parameter of each star. In contrast, for neutron stars described by baryonic equation of state without exotic phases the ISCO is given by the mass-shedding limit. The gravitational wave frequency at the ISCO, which marks the end of the inspiral phase, is always higher than 1.1kHz for equal masses irrotational strange quark stars with the total mass-energy of a binary system greater than $2 M_\odot$. We find that the dependence of the frequency of gravitational waves at the ISCO on the compactness parameter for the equal mass binaries can be described by the same simple analytical formulae for broad ranges of masses independently on a strange star model. Detailed comparisons with binary neutrons star models, as well as with the third order Post-Newtonian point-mass binaries are given. The difference in the phase, for two $1.35 M_\odot$ strange stars, between our numerical results and 3PN is $\sim 40 %$ for the last two orbits of inspiral.

Coalescing compact star binaries are expected to be among the strongest sources of gravitational radiation to be seen by laser interferometers. We present calculations of the final phase of inspiral of equal mass irrotational neutron star binaries and strange quark star binaries. Six types of equations of state at zero temperature are used - three realistic nuclear equations of state of various softness and three different MIT bag models of strange quark matter. We study the precoalescing stage within the Isenberg-Wilson-Mathews approximation of general relativity using a multidomain spectral method. The gravitational-radiation driven evolution of the binary system is approximated by a sequence of quasi-equilibrium configurations at fixed baryon number and decreasing separation. We find that the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) is given by an orbital instability for binary strange quark stars and by the mass-shedding limit for neutron star binaries. The gravitational wave frequency at the ISCO, which marks the end of the inspiral phase, is found to be around 1100-1460 Hz for two 1.35 solar masses irrotational strange stars described by the MIT bag model and between 800 Hz and 1230 Hz for neutron stars., Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, Advances in Space Research, in press,doi:10.1016/j.asr.2006.09.021, available online www.sciencedirect.com, paper updated according to the reviewer's suggestions (conclusions unchanged)

Inspiraling compact binaries are expected to be the strongest sources of gravitational waves for VIRGO, LIGO and other laser interferometers. We present the first computations of quasi-equilibrium sequences of compact binaries containing two strange quark stars (which are currently considered as a possible alternative to neutron stars). We study a precoalescing stage in the conformal flatness approximation of general relativity using a multidomain spectral method. A hydrodynamical treatment is performed under the assumption that the flow is irrotational., Comment: 4 pages, 2 PostScript figures, to appear in the Proceedings of the SF2A 04, Paris, France

We present the first relativistic calculations of the final phase of inspiral of a binary system consisting of two stars built predominantely of strange quark matter (strange quark stars). We study the precoalescing stage within the Isenberg-Wilson-Mathews approximation of general relativity using a multidomain spectral method. A hydrodynamical treatment is performed under the assumption that the flow is either rigidly rotating or irrotational, taking into account the finite density at the stellar surface -- a distinctive feature with respect to the neutron star case. The gravitational-radiation driven evolution of the binary system is approximated by a sequence of quasi-equilibrium configurations at fixed baryon number and decreasing separation. We find that the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) is given by an orbital instability both for synchronized and irrotational systems. This constrasts with neutron stars for which the ISCO is given by the mass-shedding limit in the irrotational case. The gravitational wave frequency at the ISCO, which marks the end of the inspiral phase, is found to be 1400 Hz for two irrotational 1.35 Msol strange stars and for the MIT bag model of strange matter with massless quarks and a bag constant B=60 MeV/fm^3. Detailed comparisons with binary neutrons star models, as well as with third order Post-Newtonian point-mass binaries are given., Comment: 11 pages, 10 figures, improved conclusion and figures, references added, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. D

We perform some numerical study of the secular triaxial instability of rigidly rotating homogeneous fluid bodies in general relativity. In the Newtonian limit, this instability arises at the bifurcation point between the Maclaurin and Jacobi sequences. It can be driven in astrophysical systems by viscous dissipation. We locate the onset of instability along several constant baryon mass sequences of uniformly rotating axisymmetric bodies for compaction parameter $M/R = 0-0.275$. We find that general relativity weakens the Jacobi like bar mode instability, but the stabilizing effect is not very strong. According to our analysis the critical value of the ratio of the kinetic energy to the absolute value of the gravitational potential energy $(T/|W|)_{\rm crit}$ for compaction parameter as high as 0.275 is only 30% higher than the Newtonian value. The critical value of the eccentricity depends very weakly on the degree of relativity and for $M/R=0.275$ is only 2% larger than the Newtonian value at the onset for the secular bar mode instability. We compare our numerical results with recent analytical investigations based on the post-Newtonian expansion., Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. D

The kilohertz quasi periodic oscillations (QPOs) discovered in several low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (XTE) are thought to occur at the orbital frequency in accretion discs whose inner edge corresponds to the innermost (marginally) stable orbit allowed by general relativity. These ideas have been applied to constrain the equation of state (e.o.s.) of the central neutron star. Here we discuss another possibility, that the central object is a strange star, and show how kHz QPOs constrain the e.o.s. of strange matter., Comment: 4 pages, Proceedings of the 3rd INTEGRAL Workshop