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We explore a novel, exotic physics, modality in multi-messenger astronomy. We are interested in exotic fields emitted by the mergers and theirdirectdetection with a network of atomic clocks. We specifically focus on the rubidium clocks onboard satellites of the Global Positioning System. Bursts of exotic fields may be produced during the coalescence of black hole singularities, releasing quantum gravity messengers. To be detectable such fields must be ultralight and ultra-relativistic and we refer to them as exotic low-mass fields (ELFs). Since such fields possess non-zero mass, the ELF bursts lag behind the gravitational waves emitted by the very same merger. Then the gravitational wave observatories provide a detection trigger for the atomic clock networks searching for the feeble ELF signals. ELFs would imprint an anti-chirp transient across the sensor network. ELFs can be detectable by atomic clocks if they cause variations in fundamental constants. We report our progress in the development of techniques to search for ELF bursts with clocks onboard GPS satellites. We focus on the binary neutron star merger GW170817 of August 17, 2017. We find an intriguing excess in the clock noise post LIGO gravitational wave trigger. Potentially the excess noise could be explained away by the increased solar electron flux post LIGO trigger.
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This content will become publicly available on January 17, 2026
Multimessenger observations and the science enabled: continuous waves and their progenitors, equation of state of dense matter
Abstract Rotating and oscillating neutron stars can give rise to long-livedContinuous Gravitational Waves(CGWs). Despite many years of searching, the detection of such a CGW signal remains elusive. In this article we describe the main astrophysical uncertainties regarding such emission, and their relation to the behaviour of matter at extremely high density. We describe the main challenges in searching for CGWs, and the prospects of detecting them using third-generation gravitational wave detectors. We end by describing some pressing issues in the field, whose resolution would help turn the detection and exploitation of CGWs into reality.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2408883
- PAR ID:
- 10588195
- Publisher / Repository:
- Classical and Quantum Gravity
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Classical and Quantum Gravity
- Volume:
- 42
- Issue:
- 3
- ISSN:
- 0264-9381
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 033001
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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