Showing 1–50 of 228 results for author: Miao, H

Forecasting Constraint on Primordial Black Hole Properties with the CSST $3\times2$pt Analysis

Authors: Dingao Hu, Yan Gong, Pengfei Su, Hengjie Lin, Haitao Miao, Qi Xiong, Xuelei Chen

Abstract: This study forecasts the constraints on the properties of primordial black holes (PBHs) as a cold dark matter component using the galaxy clustering, weak lensing, and galaxy-galaxy lensing (i.e. $3\times2$pt) measurements from the upcoming Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope (CSST) photometric survey. Since PBHs formed via gravitational collapse in the early Universe, they can additionally affe… ▽ More This study forecasts the constraints on the properties of primordial black holes (PBHs) as a cold dark matter component using the galaxy clustering, weak lensing, and galaxy-galaxy lensing (i.e. $3\times2$pt) measurements from the upcoming Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope (CSST) photometric survey. Since PBHs formed via gravitational collapse in the early Universe, they can additionally affect the formation and evolution of the cosmic large-scale structure (LSS) through the ``Poisson" effect. We compute the angular power spectra for PBH-$Λ$CDM cosmology, and generate mock data based on the CSST instrumental and survey design. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is employed to constrain the free parameters, such as the product of the PBH fraction and mass $f_{\rm PBH}m_{\rm PBH}$ and other cosmological parameters. The systematic parameters are also included in the fitting process, such as the parameters of the baryonic effect, intrinsic alignment, galaxy bias, photometric redshift (photo-$z$) calibration, shear calibration, and noise terms. We find that the CSST 3$\times$2pt analysis can achieve tight constraints on $f_{\rm PBH}m_{\rm PBH}$, with 68% and 95% confidence levels (CLs) reaching $<10^{3.9} M_{\odot}$ and $<10^{4.7} M_{\odot}$, respectively. Additionally, the cosmological parameters, e.g. $Ω_m$, $σ_8$ and $w$, can be constrained with the precisions of 3.3%, 1.7%, 13%, respectively. This indicates that the CSST 3$\times$2pt analysis is a powerful tool to advance the PBH dark matter studies in the near future. △ Less

Submitted 27 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 14 pages, 10 figures, 1 table

Search for planetary-mass ultra-compact binaries using data from the first part of the LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA fourth observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1743 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present a search for gravitational waves from inspiraling, planetary-mass ultra-compact binaries using data from the first part of the fourth observing run of LIGO, Virgo and KAGRA. Finding no evidence of such systems, we determine the maximum distance reach for such objects and their merger rate densities, independently of how they could have formed. Then, we identify classes of primordial bla… ▽ More We present a search for gravitational waves from inspiraling, planetary-mass ultra-compact binaries using data from the first part of the fourth observing run of LIGO, Virgo and KAGRA. Finding no evidence of such systems, we determine the maximum distance reach for such objects and their merger rate densities, independently of how they could have formed. Then, we identify classes of primordial black-hole mass distributions for which these rate limits can be translated into relevant constraints on the mass distribution of primordial black holes, assuming that they compose all of dark matter, in the mass range $[10^{-6},10^{-3}]M_\odot$. Our constraints are consistent with existing microlensing results in the planetary-mass range, and provide a complementary probe to sub-solar mass objects. △ Less

Submitted 5 December, 2025; v1 submitted 24 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 6 pages (main) + 7 pages (appendix) + refs; 8 figures

Report number: P2500248

Direct multi-model dark-matter search with gravitational-wave interferometers using data from the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1745 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Gravitational-wave detectors can probe the existence of dark matter with exquisite sensitivity. Here, we perform a search for three kinds of dark matter -- dilatons (spin-0), dark photons (spin-1) and tensor bosons (spin-2) -- using three independent methods on the first part of the most recent data from the fourth observing run of LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA. Each form of dark matter could have interacted… ▽ More Gravitational-wave detectors can probe the existence of dark matter with exquisite sensitivity. Here, we perform a search for three kinds of dark matter -- dilatons (spin-0), dark photons (spin-1) and tensor bosons (spin-2) -- using three independent methods on the first part of the most recent data from the fourth observing run of LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA. Each form of dark matter could have interacted with different standard-model particles in the instruments, causing unique differential strains on the interferometers. While we do not find any evidence for a signal, we place the most stringent upper limits to-date on each of these models. For scalars with masses between $[4\times 10^{-14},1.5\times 10^{-13}]$ eV that couple to photons or electrons, our constraints improve upon those from the third observing run by one order of magnitude, with the tightest limit of $\sim 10^{-20}\,\text{GeV}^{-1}$ at a mass of $\sim2\times 10^{-13}\text{ eV}$. For vectors with masses between $[7\times 10^{-13},8.47\times 10^{-12}]$ eV that couple to baryons, our constraints supersede those from MICROSCOPE and Eöt-Wash by one to two orders of magnitude, reaching a minimum of $\sim 5\times 10^{-24}$ at a mass of $\sim 10^{-12}$ eV. For tensors with masses of $[4\times 10^{-14},8.47\times 10^{-12}]$ eV (the full mass range analyzed) that couple via a Yukawa interaction, our constraints surpass those from fifth-force experiments by four to five orders of magnitude, achieving a limit as low as $\sim 8\times 10^{-9}$ at $\sim2\times 10^{-13}$ eV. Our results show that gravitational-wave interferometers have become frontiers for new physics and laboratories for direct multi-model dark-matter detection. △ Less

Submitted 11 December, 2025; v1 submitted 30 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 9 pages, 1 figure (+1 figure in appendix)

Report number: P2500252

GW241011 and GW241110: Exploring Binary Formation and Fundamental Physics with Asymmetric, High-Spin Black Hole Coalescence

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1761 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the observation of gravitational waves from two binary black hole coalescences during the fourth observing run of the LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA detector network, GW241011 and GW241110. The sources of these two signals are characterized by rapid and precisely measured primary spins, non-negligible spin--orbit misalignment, and unequal mass ratios between their constituent black holes. These prop… ▽ More We report the observation of gravitational waves from two binary black hole coalescences during the fourth observing run of the LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA detector network, GW241011 and GW241110. The sources of these two signals are characterized by rapid and precisely measured primary spins, non-negligible spin--orbit misalignment, and unequal mass ratios between their constituent black holes. These properties are characteristic of binaries in which the more massive object was itself formed from a previous binary black hole merger, and suggest that the sources of GW241011 and GW241110 may have formed in dense stellar environments in which repeated mergers can take place. As the third loudest gravitational-wave event published to date, with a median network signal-to-noise ratio of $36.0$, GW241011 furthermore yields stringent constraints on the Kerr nature of black holes, the multipolar structure of gravitational-wave generation, and the existence of ultralight bosons within the mass range $10^{-13}$--$10^{-12}$ eV. △ Less

Submitted 30 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: Data available from Zenodo (https://zenodo.org/records/17343574) or the Gravitational-Wave Open Science Center (https://gwosc.org)

Report number: LIGO-P2500402

Journal ref: Astrophys. J. Letters, 993, L21 (2025)

Cosmological and High Energy Physics implications from gravitational-wave background searches in LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA's O1-O4a runs

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1747 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We search for gravitational-wave background signals produced by various early Universe processes in the Advanced LIGO O4a dataset, combined with the data from the earlier O1, O2, and O3 (LIGO-Virgo) runs. The absence of detectable signals enables powerful constraints on fundamental physics. We derive gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits from the O1-O4a data to constrain parame… ▽ More We search for gravitational-wave background signals produced by various early Universe processes in the Advanced LIGO O4a dataset, combined with the data from the earlier O1, O2, and O3 (LIGO-Virgo) runs. The absence of detectable signals enables powerful constraints on fundamental physics. We derive gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits from the O1-O4a data to constrain parameters associated with various possible processes in the early Universe: first-order phase transitions, cosmic strings, domain walls, stiff equation of state, axion inflation, second-order scalar perturbations, primordial black hole binaries, and parity violation. In our analyses, the presence of an astrophysical background produced by compact (black hole and neutron star) binary coalescences throughout the Universe is also considered. We address the implications for various cosmological and high energy physics models based on the obtained parameter constraints. We conclude that LIGO-Virgo data already yield significant constraints on numerous early Universe scenarios. △ Less

Submitted 7 November, 2025; v1 submitted 30 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: Main paper: 45 pages, 20 figures

Report number: LIGO-PP2500150

Directional Search for Persistent Gravitational Waves: Results from the First Part of LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA's Fourth Observing Run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1743 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The angular distribution of gravitational-wave power from persistent sources may exhibit anisotropies arising from the large-scale structure of the Universe. This motivates directional searches for astrophysical and cosmological gravitational-wave backgrounds, as well as continuous-wave emitters. We present results of such a search using data from the first observing run through the first portion… ▽ More The angular distribution of gravitational-wave power from persistent sources may exhibit anisotropies arising from the large-scale structure of the Universe. This motivates directional searches for astrophysical and cosmological gravitational-wave backgrounds, as well as continuous-wave emitters. We present results of such a search using data from the first observing run through the first portion of the fourth observing run of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaborations. We apply gravitational-wave radiometer techniques to generate skymaps and search for both narrowband and broadband persistent gravitational-wave sources. Additionally, we use spherical harmonic decomposition to probe spatially extended sources. No evidence of persistent gravitational-wave signals is found, and we set the most stringent constraints to date on such emissions. For narrowband point sources, our sensitivity estimate to effective strain amplitude lies in the range $(0.03 - 8.4) \times 10^{-24}$ across all sky and frequency range $(20 - 160)$ Hz. For targeted sources -- Scorpius X-1, SN 1987A, the Galactic Center, Terzan 5, and NGC 6397 -- we constrain the strain amplitude with best limits ranging from $\sim 1.1 \times 10^{-25}$ to $6.5 \times 10^{-24}$. For persistent broadband sources, we constrain the gravitational-wave flux $F_{α, \hat{n}}^{95\%, \mathrm{UL}}(25\, \mathrm{Hz}) < (0.008 - 5.5) \times 10^{-8}\, \mathrm{erg\, cm^{-2}\, s^{-1}\, Hz^{-1}}$, depending on the sky direction $\hat{n}$ and spectral index $α=0,\,2/3,\,3$. Finally, for extended sources, we place upper limits on the strain angular power spectrum $C_\ell^{1/2} < (0.63 - 17) \times 10^{-10} \,\mathrm{sr}^{-1}$. △ Less

Submitted 20 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: Main paper: 11 pages and 4 figures; Total with appendices: 39 pages and 12 figures

Report number: LIGO-P250038

GW250114: testing Hawking's area law and the Kerr nature of black holes

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1763 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The gravitational-wave signal GW250114 was observed by the two LIGO detectors with a network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 80. The signal was emitted by the coalescence of two black holes with near-equal masses $m_1 = 33.6^{+1.2}_{-0.8}\,M_\odot$ and $m_2 = 32.2^{+0.8}_{-1.3}\,M_\odot$, and small spins $χ_{1,2} \leq 0.26$ (90% credibility) and negligible eccentricity $e \leq 0.03$. Post-… ▽ More The gravitational-wave signal GW250114 was observed by the two LIGO detectors with a network matched-filter signal-to-noise ratio of 80. The signal was emitted by the coalescence of two black holes with near-equal masses $m_1 = 33.6^{+1.2}_{-0.8}\,M_\odot$ and $m_2 = 32.2^{+0.8}_{-1.3}\,M_\odot$, and small spins $χ_{1,2} \leq 0.26$ (90% credibility) and negligible eccentricity $e \leq 0.03$. Post-merger data excluding the peak region are consistent with the dominant quadrupolar $(\ell = |m| = 2)$ mode of a Kerr black hole and its first overtone. We constrain the modes' frequencies to $\pm 30\%$ of the Kerr spectrum, providing a test of the remnant's Kerr nature. We also examine Hawking's area law, also known as the second law of black hole mechanics, which states that the total area of the black hole event horizons cannot decrease with time. A range of analyses that exclude up to 5 of the strongest merger cycles confirm that the remnant area is larger than the sum of the initial areas to high credibility. △ Less

Submitted 9 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 6 pages, 5 figures (plus supplement)

Report number: LIGO-P2500421

Directed searches for gravitational waves from ultralight vector boson clouds around merger remnant and galactic black holes during the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1747 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the first directed searches for long-transient and continuous gravitational waves from ultralight vector boson clouds around known black holes (BHs). We use LIGO data from the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run. The searches target two distinct types of BHs and use two new semicoherent methods: hidden Markov model (HMM) tracking for the remnant BHs of the mergers GW… ▽ More We present the first directed searches for long-transient and continuous gravitational waves from ultralight vector boson clouds around known black holes (BHs). We use LIGO data from the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run. The searches target two distinct types of BHs and use two new semicoherent methods: hidden Markov model (HMM) tracking for the remnant BHs of the mergers GW230814_230901 and GW231123_135430 (referred to as GW230814 and GW231123 in this study), and a dedicated method using the Band Sampled Data (BSD) framework for the galactic BH in the Cygnus X-1 binary system. Without finding evidence of a signal from vector bosons in the data, we estimate the mass range that can be constrained. For the HMM searches targeting the remnants from GW231123 and GW230814, we disfavor vector boson masses in the ranges $[0.94, 1.08]$ and $[2.75, 3.28] \times 10^{-13}$ eV, respectively, at 30% confidence, assuming a 1% false alarm probability. Although these searches are only marginally sensitive to signals from merger remnants at relatively large distances, future observations are expected to yield more stringent constraints with high confidence. For the BSD search targeting the BH in Cygnus X-1, we exclude vector boson masses in the range $[0.85, 1.59] \times 10^{-13}$ eV at 95% confidence, assuming an initial BH spin larger than 0.5. △ Less

Submitted 14 September, 2025; v1 submitted 8 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 33 pages, 4 figures

Report number: LIGO-P2500256

GWTC-4.0: Constraints on the Cosmic Expansion Rate and Modified Gravitational-wave Propagation

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1750 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We analyze data from 142 of the 218 gravitational-wave (GW) sources in the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration (LVK) Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC-4.0) to estimate the Hubble constant $H_0$ jointly with the population properties of merging compact binaries. We measure the luminosity distance and redshifted masses of GW sources directly; in contrast, we infer GW source redshifts stat… ▽ More We analyze data from 142 of the 218 gravitational-wave (GW) sources in the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration (LVK) Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC-4.0) to estimate the Hubble constant $H_0$ jointly with the population properties of merging compact binaries. We measure the luminosity distance and redshifted masses of GW sources directly; in contrast, we infer GW source redshifts statistically through i) location of features in the compact object mass spectrum and merger rate evolution, and ii) identifying potential host galaxies in the GW localization volume. Probing the relationship between source luminosity distances and redshifts obtained in this way yields constraints on cosmological parameters. We also constrain parameterized deviations from general relativity which affect GW propagation, specifically those modifying the dependence of a GW signal on the source luminosity distance. Assuming our fiducial model for the source-frame mass distribution and using GW candidates detected up to the end of the fourth observing run (O4a), together with the GLADE+ all-sky galaxy catalog, we estimate $H_0 = 76.6^{+13.0}_{-9.5} (76.6^{+25.2}_{-14.0})$ km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$. This value is reported as a median with 68.3% (90%) symmetric credible interval, and includes combination with the $H_0$ measurement from GW170817 and its electromagnetic counterpart. Using a parametrization of modified GW propagation in terms of the magnitude parameter $Ξ_0$, we estimate $Ξ_0 = 1.2^{+0.8}_{-0.4} (1.2^{+2.4}_{-0.5})$, where $Ξ_0 = 1$ recovers the behavior of general relativity. △ Less

Submitted 7 October, 2025; v1 submitted 4 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog

Report number: LIGO-P2400152

Upper Limits on the Isotropic Gravitational-Wave Background from the first part of LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA's fourth Observing Run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1751 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present results from the search for an isotropic gravitational-wave background using Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data from O1 through O4a, the first part of the fourth observing run. This background is the accumulated signal from unresolved sources throughout cosmic history and encodes information about the merger history of compact binaries throughout the Universe, as well as exotic physi… ▽ More We present results from the search for an isotropic gravitational-wave background using Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data from O1 through O4a, the first part of the fourth observing run. This background is the accumulated signal from unresolved sources throughout cosmic history and encodes information about the merger history of compact binaries throughout the Universe, as well as exotic physics and potentially primordial processes from the early cosmos. Our cross-correlation analysis reveals no statistically significant background signal, enabling us to constrain several theoretical scenarios. For compact binary coalescences which approximately follow a 2/3 power-law spectrum, we constrain the fractional energy density to $Ω_{\rm GW}(25{\rm Hz})\leq 2.0\times 10^{-9}$ (95% cred.), a factor of 1.7 improvement over previous results. Scale-invariant backgrounds are constrained to $Ω_{\rm GW}(25{\rm Hz})\leq 2.8\times 10^{-9}$, representing a 2.1x sensitivity gain. We also place new limits on gravity theories predicting non-standard polarization modes and confirm that terrestrial magnetic noise sources remain below detection threshold. Combining these spectral limits with population models for GWTC-4, the latest gravitational-wave event catalog, we find our constraints remain above predicted merger backgrounds but are approaching detectability. The joint analysis combining the background limits shown here with the GWTC-4 catalog enables improved inference of the binary black hole merger rate evolution across cosmic time. Employing GWTC-4 inference results and standard modeling choices, we estimate that the total background arising from compact binary coalescences is $Ω_{\rm CBC}(25{\rm Hz})={0.9^{+1.1}_{-0.5}\times 10^{-9}}$ at 90% confidence, where the largest contribution is due to binary black holes only, $Ω_{\rm BBH}(25{\rm Hz})=0.8^{+1.1}_{-0.5}\times 10^{-9}$. △ Less

Submitted 28 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 31 pages, 7 figures

Report number: LIGO-P2500349

GWTC-4.0: Population Properties of Merging Compact Binaries

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, S. Ahmadzadeh, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi , et al. (1783 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We detail the population properties of merging compact objects using 158 mergers from the cumulative Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog 4.0, which includes three types of binary mergers: binary neutron star, neutron star--black hole binary, and binary black hole mergers. We resolve multiple over- and under-densities in the black hole mass distribution: features persist at primary masses of… ▽ More We detail the population properties of merging compact objects using 158 mergers from the cumulative Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog 4.0, which includes three types of binary mergers: binary neutron star, neutron star--black hole binary, and binary black hole mergers. We resolve multiple over- and under-densities in the black hole mass distribution: features persist at primary masses of $10\,M_\odot$ and $35\,M_\odot$ with a possible third feature at $\sim 20\,M_\odot$. These are departures from an otherwise power-law-like continuum that steepens above $35\,M_\odot$. Binary black holes with primary masses near $10\,M_\odot$ are more likely to have less massive secondaries, with a mass ratio distribution peaking at $q = 0.74^{+0.13}_{-0.13}$, potentially a signature of stable mass transfer during binary evolution. Black hole spins are inferred to be non-extremal, with 90\% of black holes having $χ< 0.57$, and preferentially aligned with binary orbits, implying many merging binaries form in isolation. However, we find a significant fraction, 0.24-0.42, of binaries have negative effective inspiral spins, suggesting many could be formed dynamically in gas-free environments. We find evidence for correlation between effective inspiral spin and mass ratio, though it is unclear if this is driven by variation in the mode of the distribution or the width. (Abridged) △ Less

Submitted 17 September, 2025; v1 submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog

Report number: LIGO-P2400004

GWTC-4.0: Updating the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog with Observations from the First Part of the Fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Observing Run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1748 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Version 4.0 of the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC-4.0) adds new candidates detected by the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA observatories through the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a: 2023 May 24 15:00:00 to 2024 January 16 16:00:00 UTC) and a preceding engineering run. In this new data, we find 128 new compact binary coalescence candidates that are identified by at least one of our s… ▽ More Version 4.0 of the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC-4.0) adds new candidates detected by the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA observatories through the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a: 2023 May 24 15:00:00 to 2024 January 16 16:00:00 UTC) and a preceding engineering run. In this new data, we find 128 new compact binary coalescence candidates that are identified by at least one of our search algorithms with a probability of astrophysical origin $p_{\rm astro} \geq 0.5$ and that are not vetoed during event validation. We also provide detailed source property measurements for 86 of these that have a false alarm rate $< 1 \rm{yr}^{-1}$. Based on the inferred component masses, these new candidates are consistent with signals from binary black holes and neutron star-black hole binaries (GW230518_125908 and GW230529_181500). Median inferred component masses of binary black holes in the catalog now range from $5.79\,M_\odot$ (GW230627_015337) to $137\,M_\odot$ (GW231123_135430), while GW231123_135430 was probably produced by the most massive binary observed in the catalog. For the first time we have discovered binary black hole signals with network signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 30, GW230814_230901 and GW231226_01520, enabling high-fidelity studies of the waveforms and astrophysical properties of these systems. Combined with the 90 candidates included in GWTC-3.0, the catalog now contains 218 candidates with $p_{\rm astro} \geq 0.5$ and not otherwise vetoed, doubling the size of the catalog and further opening our view of the gravitational-wave Universe. △ Less

Submitted 8 September, 2025; v1 submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog

Report number: LIGO-P2400386

GWTC-4.0: Methods for Identifying and Characterizing Gravitational-wave Transients

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, S. Ahmadzadeh, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, S. Akcay, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi , et al. (1787 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC) is a collection of candidate gravitational-wave transient signals identified and characterized by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration. Producing the contents of the GWTC from detector data requires complex analysis methods. These comprise techniques to model the signal; identify the transients in the data; evaluate the quality of the data and mitigate… ▽ More The Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC) is a collection of candidate gravitational-wave transient signals identified and characterized by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration. Producing the contents of the GWTC from detector data requires complex analysis methods. These comprise techniques to model the signal; identify the transients in the data; evaluate the quality of the data and mitigate possible instrumental issues; infer the parameters of each transient; compare the data with the waveform models for compact binary coalescences; and handle the large amount of results associated with all these different analyses. In this paper, we describe the methods employed to produce the catalog's fourth release, GWTC-4.0, focusing on the analysis of the first part of the fourth observing run of Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA. △ Less

Submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog

Report number: LIGO-P2400300

GWTC-4.0: An Introduction to Version 4.0 of the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, S. Ahmadzadeh, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, S. Akcay, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi , et al. (1786 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC) is a collection of short-duration (transient) gravitational wave signals identified by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration in gravitational-wave data produced by the eponymous detectors. The catalog provides information about the identified candidates, such as the arrival time and amplitude of the signal and properties of the signal's source as inferr… ▽ More The Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog (GWTC) is a collection of short-duration (transient) gravitational wave signals identified by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration in gravitational-wave data produced by the eponymous detectors. The catalog provides information about the identified candidates, such as the arrival time and amplitude of the signal and properties of the signal's source as inferred from the observational data. GWTC is the data release of this dataset and version 4.0 extends the catalog to include observations made during the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run up until 2024 January 31. This paper marks an introduction to a collection of articles related to this version of the catalog, GWTC-4.0. The collection of articles accompanying the catalog provides documentation of the methods used to analyze the data, summaries of the catalog of events, observational measurements drawn from the population, and detailed discussions of selected candidates △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2025; v1 submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: As part of the Astrophysical Journal Letters Focus Issue on the Gravitational Wave Transient Catalog. Update following peer review

Report number: LIGO-P2400293

Open Data from LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA through the First Part of the Fourth Observing Run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1746 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA form a network of gravitational-wave observatories. Data and analysis results from this network are made publicly available through the Gravitational Wave Open Science Center. This paper describes open data from this network, including the addition of data from the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a) and selected periods from the preceding engineering run, collected… ▽ More LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA form a network of gravitational-wave observatories. Data and analysis results from this network are made publicly available through the Gravitational Wave Open Science Center. This paper describes open data from this network, including the addition of data from the first part of the fourth observing run (O4a) and selected periods from the preceding engineering run, collected from May 2023 to January 2024. The public data set includes calibrated strain time series for each instrument, data from additional channels used for noise subtraction and detector characterization, and analysis data products from version 4.0 of the Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog. △ Less

Submitted 4 November, 2025; v1 submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 26 pages. The version updates Table 3, updates the author list, removes one figure, and updates some text for clarity and grammar

Report number: LIGO-P2500167

A Panchromatic View of Late-time Shock Power in the Type II Supernova 2023ixf

Authors: W. V. Jacobson-Galán, L. Dessart, C. D. Kilpatrick, P. J. Patel, K. Auchettl, S. Tinyanont, R. Margutti, V. V. Dwarkadas, K. A. Bostroem, R. Chornock, R. J. Foley, H. Abunemeh, T. Ahumada, P. Arunachalam, M. J. Bustamante-Rosell, D. A. Coulter, C. Gall, H. Gao, X. Guo, J. Hjorth, M. Kaewmookda, M. M. Kasliwal, R. Kaur, C. Larison, N. LeBaron , et al. (17 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present multi-wavelength observations of the type II supernova (SN II) 2023ixf during its first two years of evolution. We combine ground-based optical/NIR spectroscopy with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) far- and near-ultraviolet spectroscopy and James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) near- and mid-infrared photometry and spectroscopy to create spectral energy distributions of SN 2023ixf at +374 and… ▽ More We present multi-wavelength observations of the type II supernova (SN II) 2023ixf during its first two years of evolution. We combine ground-based optical/NIR spectroscopy with Hubble Space Telescope (HST) far- and near-ultraviolet spectroscopy and James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) near- and mid-infrared photometry and spectroscopy to create spectral energy distributions of SN 2023ixf at +374 and +620 days post-explosion, covering a wavelength range of ~0.1-30 $μ$m. The multi-band light curve of SN 2023ixf follows a standard radioactive decay decline rate after the plateau until ~500 days, at which point shock powered emission from ongoing interaction between the SN ejecta and circumstellar material (CSM) begins to dominate. This evolution is temporally consistent with 0.3-10 keV X-ray detections of SN 2023ixf and broad ''boxy'' spectral line emission from reprocessing of shock luminosity in a cold dense shell located between forward and reverse shocks. Using the expected absorbed radioactive decay power and the detected X-ray luminosity, we quantify the total shock powered emission at the +374 and +620 day epochs and find that it can be explained by nearly complete thermalization of the reverse shock luminosity as SN 2023ixf interacts with a continuous, ''wind-like'' CSM with a progenitor mass-loss rate of $\dot M \approx 10^{-4}$ M$_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$ ($v_w = 20 \pm 5$ km/s). Additionally, we construct multi-epoch spectral models from the non-LTE radiative transfer code CMFGEN, which contain radioactive decay and shock powers, as well as dust absorption, scattering, and emission. We find that models with shock powers of $L_{sh} = (0.5-1) \times 10^{40}$ erg s$^{-1}$ and $(0.5 - 1) \times 10^{-3}$ M$_{\odot}$ of silicate dust in the cold dense shell and/or inner SN ejecta can effectively reproduce the global properties of the late-time (>300 days) UV-to-IR spectra of SN 2023ixf. △ Less

Submitted 15 October, 2025; v1 submitted 15 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 23 pages, 11 figures. Accepted for publication in ApJL. Full dataset available on GitHub and Zenodo

GW231123: a Binary Black Hole Merger with Total Mass 190-265 $M_{\odot}$

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, D. Adhikari, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, S. Afroz, A. Agapito, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, N. Aggarwal, S. Aggarwal, O. D. Aguiar, I. -L. Ahrend, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu , et al. (1749 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: On 2023 November 23 the two LIGO observatories both detected GW231123, a gravitational-wave signal consistent with the merger of two black holes with masses $137^{+23}_{-18}\, M_\odot$ and $101^{+22}_{-50}\, M_\odot$ (90\% credible intervals), at luminosity distance 0.7-4.1 Gpc and redshift of $0.40^{+0.27}_{-0.25}$, and a network signal-to-noise ratio of $\sim$20.7. Both black holes exhibit high… ▽ More On 2023 November 23 the two LIGO observatories both detected GW231123, a gravitational-wave signal consistent with the merger of two black holes with masses $137^{+23}_{-18}\, M_\odot$ and $101^{+22}_{-50}\, M_\odot$ (90\% credible intervals), at luminosity distance 0.7-4.1 Gpc and redshift of $0.40^{+0.27}_{-0.25}$, and a network signal-to-noise ratio of $\sim$20.7. Both black holes exhibit high spins, $0.9^{+0.10}_{-0.19}$ and $0.80^{+0.20}_{-0.52}$ respectively. A massive black hole remnant is supported by an independent ringdown analysis. Some properties of GW231123 are subject to large systematic uncertainties, as indicated by differences in inferred parameters between signal models. The primary black hole lies within or above the theorized mass gap where black holes between 60-130 $M_\odot$ should be rare due to pair instability mechanisms, while the secondary spans the gap. The observation of GW231123 therefore suggests the formation of black holes from channels beyond standard stellar collapse, and that intermediate-mass black holes of mass $\sim$200 $M_\odot$ form through gravitational-wave driven mergers. △ Less

Submitted 10 November, 2025; v1 submitted 10 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 27 pages, 10 figures

Report number: DCC: P2500026-v8

Journal ref: ApJL 993 L25 (2025)

Introduction to the Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope (CSST)

Authors: CSST Collaboration, Yan Gong, Haitao Miao, Hu Zhan, Zhao-Yu Li, Jinyi Shangguan, Haining Li, Chao Liu, Xuefei Chen, Haibo Yuan, Jilin Zhou, Hui-Gen Liu, Cong Yu, Jianghui Ji, Zhaoxiang Qi, Jiacheng Liu, Zigao Dai, Xiaofeng Wang, Zhenya Zheng, Lei Hao, Jiangpei Dou, Yiping Ao, Zhenhui Lin, Kun Zhang, Wei Wang , et al. (97 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope (CSST) is an upcoming Stage-IV sky survey telescope, distinguished by its large field of view (FoV), high image quality, and multi-band observation capabilities. It can simultaneously conduct precise measurements of the Universe by performing multi-color photometric imaging and slitless spectroscopic surveys. The CSST is equipped with five scientific inst… ▽ More The Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope (CSST) is an upcoming Stage-IV sky survey telescope, distinguished by its large field of view (FoV), high image quality, and multi-band observation capabilities. It can simultaneously conduct precise measurements of the Universe by performing multi-color photometric imaging and slitless spectroscopic surveys. The CSST is equipped with five scientific instruments, i.e. Multi-band Imaging and Slitless Spectroscopy Survey Camera (SC), Multi-Channel Imager (MCI), Integral Field Spectrograph (IFS), Cool Planet Imaging Coronagraph (CPI-C), and THz Spectrometer (TS). Using these instruments, CSST is expected to make significant contributions and discoveries across various astronomical fields, including cosmology, galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN), the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, stars, exoplanets, Solar System objects, astrometry, and transients and variable sources. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the CSST instruments, observational capabilities, data products, and scientific potential. △ Less

Submitted 19 September, 2025; v1 submitted 6 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 48 pages, 12 figures, 1 table. Accepted for publication in SCIENCE CHINA Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy

The Ultraviolet Spectra of 2003fg-like Type Ia Supernovae

Authors: Snehasish Bhattacharjee, Yen-Chen Pan, Hao-Yu Miao, Charles D. Kilpatrick, Willem B. Hoogendam, Katie Auchettl, Aaron Do, Yossef Zenati

Abstract: 2003fg-like Type Ia supernovae (03fg-like SNe Ia) are rare subtype of SNe Ia, photometrically characterized by broader optical light curves and bluer ultraviolet (UV) colors compared to normal SNe Ia. In this work, we study four 03fg-like SNe Ia using Swift UltraViolet and Optical Telescope (UVOT) grism observations to understand their unique UV properties and progenitor scenario(s). We report 03f… ▽ More 2003fg-like Type Ia supernovae (03fg-like SNe Ia) are rare subtype of SNe Ia, photometrically characterized by broader optical light curves and bluer ultraviolet (UV) colors compared to normal SNe Ia. In this work, we study four 03fg-like SNe Ia using Swift UltraViolet and Optical Telescope (UVOT) grism observations to understand their unique UV properties and progenitor scenario(s). We report 03fg-like SNe Ia to have similar UV features and elemental compositions as normal SNe Ia, but with higher UV flux relative to optical. Previous studies have suggested that the UV flux levels of normal SNe Ia could be influenced by their progenitor properties, such as metallicity, with metal-poor progenitors producing higher UV flux levels. While 03fg-like SNe were previously reported to occur in low-mass and metal-poor host environments, our analysis indicates that their UV excess cannot be explained by their host-galaxy parameters. Instead, we demonstrate that the addition of a hot blackbody component, likely arising from the interaction with the circumstellar material (CSM), to the normal SN Ia spectrum, can reproduce their distinctive UV excess. This supports the hypothesis that 03fg-like SNe Ia could explode in a CSM-rich environment. △ Less

Submitted 13 August, 2025; v1 submitted 8 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Journal ref: Mon Not R Astron Soc (2025), 542, 2752-2767

Beijing Normal University 12-meter Interferometric kHz GW Detector Prototype: Design and Scientific Prospects

Authors: Mengyao Wang, Fan Zhang, Xinyao Guo, Haixing Miao, Huan Yang, Yiqiu Ma, Haoyu Wang, Teng Zhang, Mengdi Cao, Yuchao Chen, Xiaoman Huang, Junlang Li, Fangfei Liu, Jianyu Liu, Yuan Pan, Yulin Xia, Jianbo Xing, Yujie Yu, Chenjie Zhou, Zong-hong Zhu

Abstract: Current gravitational-wave detectors have achieved remarkable sensitivity around 100 Hz, enabling ground-breaking discoveries. Enhancing sensitivity at higher frequencies in the kilohertz (kHz) range promises access to rich physics, particularly the extreme conditions during the merger stage of binary neutron stars. However, the high-frequency sensitivity of Michelson-based interferometers is fund… ▽ More Current gravitational-wave detectors have achieved remarkable sensitivity around 100 Hz, enabling ground-breaking discoveries. Enhancing sensitivity at higher frequencies in the kilohertz (kHz) range promises access to rich physics, particularly the extreme conditions during the merger stage of binary neutron stars. However, the high-frequency sensitivity of Michelson-based interferometers is fundamentally limited by their linear optical cavities, which are optimized for low-frequency signal enhancement. In [Phys. Rev. X 13, 021019 (2023)], a new configuration employing an L-shaped optical resonator was proposed to overcome this limitation, offering exceptional sensitivity in the kHz band. As a pathfinder, the 12-meter prototype at Beijing Normal University is designed to demonstrate the sensing and control schemes of this new kHz detector configuration and to explore its performance in the high-power regime with suspended optics. Beyond its primary scientific goal, the prototype also offers potential sensitivity in the megahertz (MHz) range, potentially enabling constraints on exotic sources. This paper presents an overview of the prototype, including its optical design and current development status of key components. △ Less

Submitted 25 June, 2025; v1 submitted 31 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 10 pages, 8 figures,2 tables

There is Room at the Top: Fundamental Quantum Limits for Detecting Ultra-high Frequency Gravitational Waves

Authors: Xinyao Guo, Haixing Miao, Zhi-Wei Wang, Huan Yang, Ye-Ling Zhou

Abstract: The sky of astrophysical gravitational waves is expected to be quiet above $\sim 10{\rm kHz}$, which is the upper limit of characteristic frequencies of dynamical processes involving astrophysical black holes and neutron stars. Therefore, the ultrahigh ($\ge 10{\rm kHz}$) frequency window is particularly promising for detecting primordial gravitational waves, as isolating the contribution from the… ▽ More The sky of astrophysical gravitational waves is expected to be quiet above $\sim 10{\rm kHz}$, which is the upper limit of characteristic frequencies of dynamical processes involving astrophysical black holes and neutron stars. Therefore, the ultrahigh ($\ge 10{\rm kHz}$) frequency window is particularly promising for detecting primordial gravitational waves, as isolating the contribution from the astrophysical foreground has always been a challenging problem for gravitational wave background detection at ${\rm nHz, mHz}$ and the audio band studied so far. While there are various types of detectors proposed targeting the ultra-high frequency gravitational waves, they have to satisfy the (loss-constrained) fundamental limits of quantum measurements. We develop a universal framework for the quantum limit under different measurement schemes and input quantum states, and apply them to several plausible detector configurations. The fundamental limits are expressed as the strength of gravitational wave background at different frequencies, which should serve as a lower limit for ultra-high frequency gravitational wave signal possibly detectable, to probe early-universe phase transitions, and/or other primordial gravitational wave sources. We discover that a GUT-motivated phase transition from $10^7-10^{10}\,\rm{GeV}$ can naturally lead to possibly detectable GW signals within the band of $\rm{kHz-MHz}$. For phase transition above $10^{10}\,\rm{GeV}$, the signals are however below the quantum limit and are thus not detectable. Ultra-high frequency GWs also provide a window to test topological defects such as domain walls and cosmic strings generated close to the GUT scale. △ Less

Submitted 30 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: 24 pages, 8 figures

Future Cosmology: New Physics and Opportunity from the China Space Station Telescope (CSST)

Authors: Yan Gong, Haitao Miao, Xingchen Zhou, Qi Xiong, Yingxiao Song, Yuer Jiang, Minglin Wang, Junhui Yan, Beichen Wu, Furen Deng, Xuelei Chen, Zuhui Fan, Yipeng Jing, Xiaohu Yang, Hu Zhan

Abstract: The China Space Station Telescope (CSST) is the next-generation Stage~IV survey telescope. It can simultaneously perform multi-band imaging and slitless spectroscopic wide- and deep-field surveys in ten years and an ultra-deep field (UDF) survey in two years, which are suitable for cosmological studies. Here we review several CSST cosmological probes, such as weak gravitational lensing, two-dimens… ▽ More The China Space Station Telescope (CSST) is the next-generation Stage~IV survey telescope. It can simultaneously perform multi-band imaging and slitless spectroscopic wide- and deep-field surveys in ten years and an ultra-deep field (UDF) survey in two years, which are suitable for cosmological studies. Here we review several CSST cosmological probes, such as weak gravitational lensing, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) galaxy clustering, galaxy cluster abundance, cosmic void, Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), and baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAO), and explore their capabilities and prospects in discovering new physics and opportunities in cosmology. We find that CSST will measure the matter distribution from small to large scales and the expansion history of the Universe with extremely high accuracy, which can provide percent-level stringent constraints on the properties of dark energy and dark matter and precisely test the theories of gravity. △ Less

Submitted 12 March, 2025; v1 submitted 24 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: 11 pages, 7 figures, 1 table. Review of CSST cosmology, accepted for publication in SCPMA

Journal ref: SCIENCE CHINA Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy , 68, 280402 (2025)

Cosmological Constraints using the Void Size Function Data from BOSS DR16

Authors: Yingxiao Song, Yan Gong, Xingchen Zhou, Haitao Miao, Kwan Chuen Chan, Xuelei Chen

Abstract: We measure the void size function (VSF) from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS DR16) and perform the cosmological constraints. The BOSS DR16 galaxy sample is selected in the redshift range from $z = 0.2$ to 0.8, considering the selection criteria based on galaxy number density. We identify non-spherical voids from this galaxy catalog using the Voronoi tessellation and watershed alg… ▽ More We measure the void size function (VSF) from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS DR16) and perform the cosmological constraints. The BOSS DR16 galaxy sample is selected in the redshift range from $z = 0.2$ to 0.8, considering the selection criteria based on galaxy number density. We identify non-spherical voids from this galaxy catalog using the Voronoi tessellation and watershed algorithm without assuming any void shape. We select the void samples based on the void ellipticity, and derive the VSFs in two redshift bins, i.e. $z=0.2-0.5$ and $0.5-0.8$. The VSF model we use is based on the excursion-set theory, including the void linear underdensity threshold $δ_{\rm v}$ and the redshift space distortion (RSD) parameter $B$. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is applied to perform the joint constraints on the cosmological and void parameters. We find that the VSF measurement from BOSS DR16 gives $w = -1.263_{-0.396}^{+0.329}$, $Ω_{\rm m} = 0.293_{-0.053}^{+0.060}$, and $σ_8 = 0.897_{-0.192}^{+0.159}$, which can be a good complementary probe to galaxy clustering measurements. Our method demonstrates the potential of using the VSF to study cosmological models, and it can provide a reference for future VSF analysis in the upcoming galaxy spectroscopic surveys. △ Less

Submitted 3 June, 2025; v1 submitted 13 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: 11 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Search for continuous gravitational waves from known pulsars in the first part of the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, I. Aguilar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi, A. Al-Jodah, C. Alléné , et al. (1794 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Continuous gravitational waves (CWs) emission from neutron stars carries information about their internal structure and equation of state, and it can provide tests of General Relativity. We present a search for CWs from a set of 45 known pulsars in the first part of the fourth LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA observing run, known as O4a. We conducted a targeted search for each pulsar using three independent ana… ▽ More Continuous gravitational waves (CWs) emission from neutron stars carries information about their internal structure and equation of state, and it can provide tests of General Relativity. We present a search for CWs from a set of 45 known pulsars in the first part of the fourth LIGO--Virgo--KAGRA observing run, known as O4a. We conducted a targeted search for each pulsar using three independent analysis methods considering the single-harmonic and the dual-harmonic emission models. We find no evidence of a CW signal in O4a data for both models and set upper limits on the signal amplitude and on the ellipticity, which quantifies the asymmetry in the neutron star mass distribution. For the single-harmonic emission model, 29 targets have the upper limit on the amplitude below the theoretical spin-down limit. The lowest upper limit on the amplitude is $6.4\!\times\!10^{-27}$ for the young energetic pulsar J0537-6910, while the lowest constraint on the ellipticity is $8.8\!\times\!10^{-9}$ for the bright nearby millisecond pulsar J0437-4715. Additionally, for a subset of 16 targets we performed a narrowband search that is more robust regarding the emission model, with no evidence of a signal. We also found no evidence of non-standard polarizations as predicted by the Brans-Dicke theory. △ Less

Submitted 26 September, 2025; v1 submitted 2 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: main paper: 12 pages, 6 figures, 4 tables

Report number: LIGO-P2400315

Journal ref: Astrophys.J. 983 (2025) 2, 99

Merging L-shaped resonator with Michelson configuration for kilohertz gravitational-wave detection

Authors: Xinyao Guo, Teng Zhang, Denis Martynov, Haixing Miao

Abstract: Detection of gravitational waves in kilohertz frequency range is crucial for understanding the physical processes of binary neutron star mergers. In Ref. [Phys. Rev. X {\bf 13}, 021019 (2023)], a new interferometric configuration has been proposed, employing an L-shaped optical resonant cavity as arm cavity. This alteration enhances the detector's response to kHz signals. However, the departure fr… ▽ More Detection of gravitational waves in kilohertz frequency range is crucial for understanding the physical processes of binary neutron star mergers. In Ref. [Phys. Rev. X {\bf 13}, 021019 (2023)], a new interferometric configuration has been proposed, employing an L-shaped optical resonant cavity as arm cavity. This alteration enhances the detector's response to kHz signals. However, the departure from conventional Michelson configuration necessitates a redesign of its sensing and control scheme, which is currently under study. In this article, we propose replacing linear arm cavities in the conventional Michelson by the L-shaped resonator. This hybrid configuration features an enhanced response at kHz while retaining the same sensing and control scheme as the Michelson setup. At the conceptual level, it exhibits higher sensitivity in the 2-4 kHz range compared to existing configurations. △ Less

Submitted 19 December, 2024; v1 submitted 29 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 12pages,11 figures(including appendix)

Search for gravitational waves emitted from SN 2023ixf

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, I. Aguilar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi, A. Al-Jodah, C. Alléné, A. Allocca , et al. (1758 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the results of a search for gravitational-wave transients associated with core-collapse supernova SN 2023ixf, which was observed in the galaxy Messier 101 via optical emission on 2023 May 19th, during the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA 15th Engineering Run. We define a five-day on-source window during which an accompanying gravitational-wave signal may have occurred. No gravitational waves have been… ▽ More We present the results of a search for gravitational-wave transients associated with core-collapse supernova SN 2023ixf, which was observed in the galaxy Messier 101 via optical emission on 2023 May 19th, during the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA 15th Engineering Run. We define a five-day on-source window during which an accompanying gravitational-wave signal may have occurred. No gravitational waves have been identified in data when at least two gravitational-wave observatories were operating, which covered $\sim 14\%$ of this five-day window. We report the search detection efficiency for various possible gravitational-wave emission models. Considering the distance to M101 (6.7 Mpc), we derive constraints on the gravitational-wave emission mechanism of core-collapse supernovae across a broad frequency spectrum, ranging from 50 Hz to 2 kHz where we assume the gravitational-wave emission occurred when coincident data are available in the on-source window. Considering an ellipsoid model for a rotating proto-neutron star, our search is sensitive to gravitational-wave energy $1 \times 10^{-4} M_{\odot} c^2$ and luminosity $2.6 \times 10^{-4} M_{\odot} c^2/s$ for a source emitting at 82 Hz. These constraints are around an order of magnitude more stringent than those obtained so far with gravitational-wave data. The constraint on the ellipticity of the proto-neutron star that is formed is as low as 1.08, at frequencies above 1200 Hz, surpassing past results. △ Less

Submitted 11 March, 2025; v1 submitted 21 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: Main paper: 6 pages, 4 figures and 1 table. Total with appendices: 20 pages, 4 figures, and 1 table

Report number: LIGO-P2400125

Journal ref: ApJ 985 183 (2025)

A search using GEO600 for gravitational waves coincident with fast radio bursts from SGR 1935+2154

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, I. Aguilar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi, A. Al-Jodah, C. Alléné , et al. (1758 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The magnetar SGR 1935+2154 is the only known Galactic source of fast radio bursts (FRBs). FRBs from SGR 1935+2154 were first detected by CHIME/FRB and STARE2 in 2020 April, after the conclusion of the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA Collaborations' O3 observing run. Here we analyze four periods of gravitational wave (GW) data from the GEO600 detector coincident with four periods of FRB activity detected by… ▽ More The magnetar SGR 1935+2154 is the only known Galactic source of fast radio bursts (FRBs). FRBs from SGR 1935+2154 were first detected by CHIME/FRB and STARE2 in 2020 April, after the conclusion of the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA Collaborations' O3 observing run. Here we analyze four periods of gravitational wave (GW) data from the GEO600 detector coincident with four periods of FRB activity detected by CHIME/FRB, as well as X-ray glitches and X-ray bursts detected by NICER and NuSTAR close to the time of one of the FRBs. We do not detect any significant GW emission from any of the events. Instead, using a short-duration GW search (for bursts $\leq$ 1 s) we derive 50\% (90\%) upper limits of $10^{48}$ ($10^{49}$) erg for GWs at 300 Hz and $10^{49}$ ($10^{50}$) erg at 2 kHz, and constrain the GW-to-radio energy ratio to $\leq 10^{14} - 10^{16}$. We also derive upper limits from a long-duration search for bursts with durations between 1 and 10 s. These represent the strictest upper limits on concurrent GW emission from FRBs. △ Less

Submitted 21 May, 2025; v1 submitted 11 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 15 pages of text including references, 4 figures, 5 tables

Report number: LIGO-P2400192

Journal ref: ApJ 977 255 (2024)

The Electrical Design of a Membrane Antenna for Lunar-based Low-frequency Radio Telescope

Authors: Suonanben, Fengquan Wu, Kai He, Shijie Sun, Wei Zhou, Minquan Zhou, Cong Zhang, Jiaqin Xu, Qisen Yan, Shenzhe Xu, Jiacong Zhu, Zhao Wang, Ke Zhang, Haitao Miao, Jixia Li, Yougang Wang, Tianlu Chen, Xuelei Chen

Abstract: Detecting primordial fluctuations from the cosmic dark ages requires extremely large low-frequency radio telescope arrays deployed on the far side of the Moon. The antenna of such an array must be lightweight, easily storable and transportable, deployable on a large scale, durable, and capable of good electrical performance. A membrane antenna is an excellent candidate to meet these criteria. We s… ▽ More Detecting primordial fluctuations from the cosmic dark ages requires extremely large low-frequency radio telescope arrays deployed on the far side of the Moon. The antenna of such an array must be lightweight, easily storable and transportable, deployable on a large scale, durable, and capable of good electrical performance. A membrane antenna is an excellent candidate to meet these criteria. We study the design of a low-frequency membrane antenna for a lunar-based low-frequency (<30 MHz) radio telescope constructed from polyimide film widely used in aerospace applications, owing to its excellent dielectric properties and high stability as a substrate material. We first design and optimize an antenna in free space through dipole deformation and coupling principles, then simulate an antenna on the lunar surface with a simple lunar soil model, yielding an efficiency greater than 90% in the range of 12-19 MHz and greater than 10% in the range of 5-35 MHz. The antenna inherits the omni-directional radiation pattern of a simple dipole antenna in the 5-30 MHz frequency band, giving a large field of view and allowing detection of the 21 cm global signal when used alone. A demonstration prototype is constructed, and its measured electrical property is found to be consistent with simulated results using |S11| measurements. This membrane antenna can potentially fulfill the requirements of a lunar low-frequency array, establishing a solid technical foundation for future large-scale arrays for exploring the cosmic dark ages. △ Less

Submitted 18 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 14 pages, 19 figures

Journal ref: Astronomical Techniques and Instruments, 1(4): 227-238

Forecasting Constraint on the $f(R)$ Theory with the CSST SN Ia and BAO Surveys

Authors: Jun-Hui Yan, Yan Gong, Minglin Wang, Haitao Miao, Xuelei Chen

Abstract: The $f(R)$ modified gravity theory can explain the accelerating expansion of the late Universe without introducing dark energy. In this study, we predict the constraint strength on the $f(R)$ theory using the mock data generated from the China Space Station Telescope (CSST) Ultra-Deep Field (UDF) Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) survey and wide-field slitless spectroscopic baryon acoustic oscillation (BA… ▽ More The $f(R)$ modified gravity theory can explain the accelerating expansion of the late Universe without introducing dark energy. In this study, we predict the constraint strength on the $f(R)$ theory using the mock data generated from the China Space Station Telescope (CSST) Ultra-Deep Field (UDF) Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) survey and wide-field slitless spectroscopic baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) survey. We explore three popular $f(R)$ models, and introduce a parameter $b$ to characterize the deviation of the f(R) theory from the $Λ$CDM theory. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is employed to constrain the parameters in the $f(R)$ models, and the nuisance parameters and systematical uncertainties are also considered in the model fitting process. Besides, we also perform model comparisons between the $f(R)$ models and the $Λ$CDM model. We find that the constraint accuracy using the CSST SN Ia+BAO dataset alone is comparable to or even better than the result given by the combination of the current relevant observations, and the CSST SN Ia+BAO survey can distinguish the $f(R)$ models from the $Λ$CDM model. This indicates that the CSST SN Ia and BAO surveys can effectively constrain and test the $f(R)$ theory. △ Less

Submitted 13 October, 2024; v1 submitted 24 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 15 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables. Accepted for publication in RAA

Swift-BAT GUANO follow-up of gravitational-wave triggers in the third LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: Gayathri Raman, Samuele Ronchini, James Delaunay, Aaron Tohuvavohu, Jamie A. Kennea, Tyler Parsotan, Elena Ambrosi, Maria Grazia Bernardini, Sergio Campana, Giancarlo Cusumano, Antonino D'Ai, Paolo D'Avanzo, Valerio D'Elia, Massimiliano De Pasquale, Simone Dichiara, Phil Evans, Dieter Hartmann, Paul Kuin, Andrea Melandri, Paul O'Brien, Julian P. Osborne, Kim Page, David M. Palmer, Boris Sbarufatti, Gianpiero Tagliaferri , et al. (1797 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present results from a search for X-ray/gamma-ray counterparts of gravitational-wave (GW) candidates from the third observing run (O3) of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) network using the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (Swift-BAT). The search includes 636 GW candidates received in low latency, 86 of which have been confirmed by the offline analysis and included in the third cumulative Gravitational-Wav… ▽ More We present results from a search for X-ray/gamma-ray counterparts of gravitational-wave (GW) candidates from the third observing run (O3) of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) network using the Swift Burst Alert Telescope (Swift-BAT). The search includes 636 GW candidates received in low latency, 86 of which have been confirmed by the offline analysis and included in the third cumulative Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalogs (GWTC-3). Targeted searches were carried out on the entire GW sample using the maximum--likelihood NITRATES pipeline on the BAT data made available via the GUANO infrastructure. We do not detect any significant electromagnetic emission that is temporally and spatially coincident with any of the GW candidates. We report flux upper limits in the 15-350 keV band as a function of sky position for all the catalog candidates. For GW candidates where the Swift-BAT false alarm rate is less than 10$^{-3}$ Hz, we compute the GW--BAT joint false alarm rate. Finally, the derived Swift-BAT upper limits are used to infer constraints on the putative electromagnetic emission associated with binary black hole mergers. △ Less

Submitted 27 March, 2025; v1 submitted 13 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: Update to version accepted for publication in ApJ. 50 pages, 10 figures, 4 tables

Journal ref: ApJ, Volume 980, 2025, 207

Discovery and Extensive Follow-Up of SN 2024ggi, a nearby type IIP supernova in NGC 3621

Authors: Ting-Wan Chen, Sheng Yang, Shubham Srivastav, Takashi J. Moriya, Stephen J. Smartt, Sofia Rest, Armin Rest, Hsing Wen Lin, Hao-Yu Miao, Yu-Chi Cheng, Amar Aryan, Chia-Yu Cheng, Morgan Fraser, Li-Ching Huang, Meng-Han Lee, Cheng-Han Lai, Yu Hsuan Liu, Aiswarya Sankar. K, Ken W. Smith, Heloise F. Stevance, Ze-Ning Wang, Joseph P. Anderson, Charlotte R. Angus, Thomas de Boer, Kenneth Chambers , et al. (23 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the discovery and early observations of the nearby Type II supernova (SN) 2024ggi in NGC 3621 at 6.64 +/- 0.3 Mpc. The SN was caught 5.8 (+1.9 -2.9) hours after its explosion by the ATLAS survey. Early-phase, high-cadence, and multi-band photometric follow-up was performed by the Kinder (Kilonova Finder) project, collecting over 1000 photometric data points within a week. The combined o… ▽ More We present the discovery and early observations of the nearby Type II supernova (SN) 2024ggi in NGC 3621 at 6.64 +/- 0.3 Mpc. The SN was caught 5.8 (+1.9 -2.9) hours after its explosion by the ATLAS survey. Early-phase, high-cadence, and multi-band photometric follow-up was performed by the Kinder (Kilonova Finder) project, collecting over 1000 photometric data points within a week. The combined o- and r-band light curves show a rapid rise of 3.3 magnitudes in 13.7 hours, much faster than SN 2023ixf (another recent, nearby, and well-observed SN II). Between 13.8 and 18.8 hours after explosion SN 2024ggi became bluer, with u-g colour dropping from 0.53 to 0.15 mag. The rapid blueward evolution indicates a wind shock breakout (SBO) scenario. No hour-long brightening expected for the SBO from a bare stellar surface was detected during our observations. The classification spectrum, taken 17 hours after the SN explosion, shows flash features of high-ionization species such as Balmer lines, He I, C III, and N III. Detailed light curve modeling reveals critical insights into the properties of the circumstellar material (CSM). Our favoured model has an explosion energy of 2 x 10^51 erg, a mass-loss rate of 10^-3 solar_mass/yr (with an assumed 10 km/s wind), and a confined CSM radius of 6 x 10^14 cm. The corresponding CSM mass is 0.4 solar_mass. Comparisons with SN 2023ixf highlight that SN 2024ggi has a smaller CSM density, resulting in a faster rise and fainter UV flux. The extensive dataset and the involvement of citizen astronomers underscore that a collaborative network is essential for SBO searches, leading to more precise and comprehensive SN characterizations. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 11 pages, 5 figures in manuscript, 6 pages in appendix, submitted to ApJL

Sensitivity and control of a 6-axis fused-silica seismometer

Authors: Jiri Smetana, Amit Singh Ubhi, Emilia Chick, Leonid Prokhorov, John Bryant, Artemiy Dmitriev, Alex Gill, Lari Koponen, Haixing Miao, Alan V. Cumming, Giles Hammond, Valery Frolov, Richard Mittleman, Peter Fritchel, Denis Martynov

Abstract: We present a pair of seismometers capable of measurement in all six axes of rigid motion. The vacuum-compatible devices implement compact interferometric displacement sensors to surpass the sensitivity of typical electrical readout schemes. Together with the capability to subtract the sensitivity-limiting coupling of ground tilt into horizontal motion, our seismometers can widen the sensing band t… ▽ More We present a pair of seismometers capable of measurement in all six axes of rigid motion. The vacuum-compatible devices implement compact interferometric displacement sensors to surpass the sensitivity of typical electrical readout schemes. Together with the capability to subtract the sensitivity-limiting coupling of ground tilt into horizontal motion, our seismometers can widen the sensing band towards mHz frequencies. This has notable applications across a range of fields requiring access to low-frequency signals, such as seismology and climate research. We particularly highlight their potential application in gravitational-wave observatories (LIGO) in improving their observation capability of intermediate-mass black holes ($\sim 1000\,M_\odot$). The sensors are based on a near-monolithic fused-silica design consisting of a fused-silica mass and fibre, showing improved stability and robustness to tilt drifts, alignment, and control compared to all-metal or mixed metal-silica designs. We demonstrate tilt sensitivity that surpasses the best commercial alternatives in a significantly reduced footprint compared to our previous iterations of these sensors. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2025; v1 submitted 22 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 3 figures

Key drivers of the preference for dynamic dark energy

Authors: Zhiqi Huang, Jianqi Liu, Jianfeng Mo, Yan Su, Junchao Wang, Yanhong Yao, Guangyao Yu, Zhengxin Zhu, Zhuoyang Li, Zhenjie Liu, Haitao Miao, Hui Tong

Abstract: Joint analysis of the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) measurement by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) first data release, Type Ia supernovae (SNe) of the Dark Energy Survey Year 5 (DES5YR) release and cosmic microwave background (CMB) data favors a quintom-like dynamic dark energy model over the standard Lambda cold dark matter ($Λ$CDM) model at $3.9σ$ level (Adame et al. 2024).… ▽ More Joint analysis of the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) measurement by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) first data release, Type Ia supernovae (SNe) of the Dark Energy Survey Year 5 (DES5YR) release and cosmic microwave background (CMB) data favors a quintom-like dynamic dark energy model over the standard Lambda cold dark matter ($Λ$CDM) model at $3.9σ$ level (Adame et al. 2024). We confirm the previous finding in the literature that the preference for dynamic dark energy does not rely on the detailed modeling of CMB physics and remains at a similar significance level ($3.2σ$) when the full CMB likelihood is replaced by a CMB acoustic-oscillation angle ($θ_\star$) prior and a baryon abundance ($Ω_bh^2$) prior. The computationally efficient $θ_\star$ and $Ω_bh^2$ priors allow us to take a frequentist approach by comparing DES5YR SNe and DESI BAO with a large number ($\gtrsim 10^4$) of Planck-constrained $Λ$CDM simulations. We find that $\geq 3.2σ$ preference for dynamic dark energy is very rare (occurrence rate = $0.28\%$) in simulations. When we combine DESI BAO with SN simulations or combine DES5YR SNe with BAO simulations, the occurrence rate of $\geq 3.2σ$ preference for dynamic dark energy increases to $1.2\%$ and $4.8\%$, respectively. These results indicate an internal inconsistency, i.e., a significant tension between DESI BAO + DES5YR SNe and Planck-constrained $Λ$CDM models in both Bayesian and frequentist points of view. Although both DESI BAO and DES5YR SNe contribute to the preference for dynamic dark energy, the contribution from DES5YR SNe is more significant. In the frequentist point of view, even DES5YR SNe alone is in tension with Planck-constrained $Λ$CDM models, though in Bayesian point of view this tension is prior dependent and inconclusive. △ Less

Submitted 20 February, 2025; v1 submitted 6 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: MEET-U project I; accepted for publication in PRD

Report number: MEET-U-01 MSC Class: 83F05 ACM Class: J.2

Journal ref: Physical Review D, 110, 123512, 2024

SN 2024ggi in NGC 3621: Rising Ionization in a Nearby, CSM-Interacting Type II Supernova

Authors: W. V. Jacobson-Galán, K. W. Davis, C. D. Kilpatrick, L. Dessart, R. Margutti, R. Chornock, R. J. Foley, P. Arunachalam, K. Auchettl, C. R. Bom, R. Cartier, D. A. Coulter, G. Dimitriadis, D. Dickinson, M. R. Drout, A. T. Gagliano, C. Gall, B. Garretson, L. Izzo, D. O. Jones, N. LeBaron, H. -Y. Miao, D. Milisavljevic, Y. -C. Pan, A. Rest , et al. (6 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present UV/optical/NIR observations and modeling of supernova (SN) 2024ggi, a type II supernova (SN II) located in NGC 3621 at 7.2 Mpc. Early-time ("flash") spectroscopy of SN 2024ggi within +0.8 days of discovery shows emission lines of H I, He I, C III, and N III with a narrow core and broad, symmetric wings (i.e., IIn-like) arising from the photoionized, optically-thick, unshocked circumstel… ▽ More We present UV/optical/NIR observations and modeling of supernova (SN) 2024ggi, a type II supernova (SN II) located in NGC 3621 at 7.2 Mpc. Early-time ("flash") spectroscopy of SN 2024ggi within +0.8 days of discovery shows emission lines of H I, He I, C III, and N III with a narrow core and broad, symmetric wings (i.e., IIn-like) arising from the photoionized, optically-thick, unshocked circumstellar material (CSM) that surrounded the progenitor star at shock breakout. By the next spectral epoch at +1.5 days, SN 2024ggi showed a rise in ionization as emission lines of He II, C IV, N IV/V and O V became visible. This phenomenon is temporally consistent with a blueward shift in the UV/optical colors, both likely the result of shock breakout in an extended, dense CSM. The IIn-like features in SN 2024ggi persist on a timescale of $t_{\rm IIn} = 3.8 \pm 1.6$ days at which time a reduction in CSM density allows the detection of Doppler broadened features from the fastest SN material. SN 2024ggi has peak UV/optical absolute magnitudes of $M_{\rm w2} = -18.7$ mag and $M_{\rm g} = -18.1$ mag that are consistent with the known population of CSM-interacting SNe II. Comparison of SN 2024ggi with a grid of radiation hydrodynamics and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (nLTE) radiative-transfer simulations suggests a progenitor mass-loss rate of $\dot{M} = 10^{-2}$M$_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$ ($v_w$ = 50 km/s), confined to a distance of $r < 5\times 10^{14}$ cm. Assuming a wind velocity of $v_w$ = 50 km/s, the progenitor star underwent an enhanced mass-loss episode in the last ~3 years before explosion. △ Less

Submitted 25 June, 2024; v1 submitted 29 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: Accepted for publication in ApJ. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2306.04721, arXiv:2403.02382

Discovery of the optical and radio counterpart to the fast X-ray transient EP240315a

Authors: J. H. Gillanders, L. Rhodes, S. Srivastav, F. Carotenuto, J. Bright, M. E. Huber, H. F. Stevance, S. J. Smartt, K. C. Chambers, T. -W. Chen, R. Fender, A. Andersson, A. J. Cooper, P. G. Jonker, F. J. Cowie, T. deBoer, N. Erasmus, M. D. Fulton, H. Gao, J. Herman, C. -C. Lin, T. Lowe, E. A. Magnier, H. -Y. Miao, P. Minguez , et al. (14 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs) are extragalactic bursts of soft X-rays first identified >10 years ago. Since then, nearly 40 events have been discovered, although almost all of these have been recovered from archival Chandra and XMM-Newton data. To date, optical sky surveys and follow-up searches have not revealed any multi-wavelength counterparts. The Einstein Probe, launched in January 2024, has s… ▽ More Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs) are extragalactic bursts of soft X-rays first identified >10 years ago. Since then, nearly 40 events have been discovered, although almost all of these have been recovered from archival Chandra and XMM-Newton data. To date, optical sky surveys and follow-up searches have not revealed any multi-wavelength counterparts. The Einstein Probe, launched in January 2024, has started surveying the sky in the soft X-ray regime (0.5-4 keV) and will rapidly increase the sample of FXTs discovered in real time. Here, we report the first discovery of both an optical and radio counterpart to a distant FXT, the fourth source publicly released by the Einstein Probe. We discovered a fast-fading optical transient within the 3 arcmin localisation radius of EP240315a with the all-sky optical survey ATLAS, and our follow-up Gemini spectrum provides a redshift, z=4.859+/-0.002. Furthermore, we uncovered a radio counterpart in the S-band (3.0 GHz) with the MeerKAT radio interferometer. The optical (rest-frame UV) and radio luminosities indicate the FXT most likely originates from either a long gamma-ray burst or a relativistic tidal disruption event. This may be a fortuitous early mission detection by the Einstein Probe or may signpost a mode of discovery for high-redshift, high-energy transients through soft X-ray surveys, combined with locating multi-wavelength counterparts. △ Less

Submitted 19 June, 2024; v1 submitted 16 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: Updated to match version accepted for publication in ApJL (17 pages, 4 figures, 2 tables)

Observation of Gravitational Waves from the Coalescence of a $2.5\text{-}4.5~M_\odot$ Compact Object and a Neutron Star

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, M. Aghaei Abchouyeh, O. D. Aguiar, I. Aguilar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, S. Akçay, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi, A. Al-Jodah , et al. (1771 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the observation of a coalescing compact binary with component masses $2.5\text{-}4.5~M_\odot$ and $1.2\text{-}2.0~M_\odot$ (all measurements quoted at the 90% credible level). The gravitational-wave signal GW230529_181500 was observed during the fourth observing run of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA detector network on 2023 May 29 by the LIGO Livingston Observatory. The primary component of the so… ▽ More We report the observation of a coalescing compact binary with component masses $2.5\text{-}4.5~M_\odot$ and $1.2\text{-}2.0~M_\odot$ (all measurements quoted at the 90% credible level). The gravitational-wave signal GW230529_181500 was observed during the fourth observing run of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA detector network on 2023 May 29 by the LIGO Livingston Observatory. The primary component of the source has a mass less than $5~M_\odot$ at 99% credibility. We cannot definitively determine from gravitational-wave data alone whether either component of the source is a neutron star or a black hole. However, given existing estimates of the maximum neutron star mass, we find the most probable interpretation of the source to be the coalescence of a neutron star with a black hole that has a mass between the most massive neutron stars and the least massive black holes observed in the Galaxy. We provisionally estimate a merger rate density of $55^{+127}_{-47}~\text{Gpc}^{-3}\,\text{yr}^{-1}$ for compact binary coalescences with properties similar to the source of GW230529_181500; assuming that the source is a neutron star-black hole merger, GW230529_181500-like sources constitute about 60% of the total merger rate inferred for neutron star-black hole coalescences. The discovery of this system implies an increase in the expected rate of neutron star-black hole mergers with electromagnetic counterparts and provides further evidence for compact objects existing within the purported lower mass gap. △ Less

Submitted 26 July, 2024; v1 submitted 5 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 45 pages (10 pages author list, 13 pages main text, 1 page acknowledgements, 13 pages appendices, 8 pages bibliography), 17 figures, 16 tables. Update to match version published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Data products available from https://zenodo.org/records/10845779

Report number: LIGO-P2300352

Journal ref: ApJL 970, L34 (2024)

Ultralight vector dark matter search using data from the KAGRA O3GK run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, H. Abe, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, V. B. Adya, C. Affeldt, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, O. D. Aguiar, I. Aguilar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi , et al. (1778 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Among the various candidates for dark matter (DM), ultralight vector DM can be probed by laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors through the measurement of oscillating length changes in the arm cavities. In this context, KAGRA has a unique feature due to differing compositions of its mirrors, enhancing the signal of vector DM in the length change in the auxiliary channels. Here we prese… ▽ More Among the various candidates for dark matter (DM), ultralight vector DM can be probed by laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors through the measurement of oscillating length changes in the arm cavities. In this context, KAGRA has a unique feature due to differing compositions of its mirrors, enhancing the signal of vector DM in the length change in the auxiliary channels. Here we present the result of a search for $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge boson DM using the KAGRA data from auxiliary length channels during the first joint observation run together with GEO600. By applying our search pipeline, which takes into account the stochastic nature of ultralight DM, upper bounds on the coupling strength between the $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge boson and ordinary matter are obtained for a range of DM masses. While our constraints are less stringent than those derived from previous experiments, this study demonstrates the applicability of our method to the lower-mass vector DM search, which is made difficult in this measurement by the short observation time compared to the auto-correlation time scale of DM. △ Less

Submitted 5 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 20 pages, 5 figures

Report number: LIGO-P2300250

Cosmological Prediction of the CSST Ultra Deep Field Type Ia Supernova Photometric Survey

Authors: Minglin Wang, Yan Gong, Furen Deng, Haitao Miao, Xuelei Chen, Hu Zhan

Abstract: Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) as a standard candle is an ideal tool to measure cosmic distance and expansion history of the Universe. Here we investigate the SN Ia photometric measurement in the China Space Station Telescope Ultra Deep Field (CSST-UDF) survey, and study the constraint power on the cosmological parameters, such as the equation of state of dark energy. The CSST-UDF survey is expected to… ▽ More Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) as a standard candle is an ideal tool to measure cosmic distance and expansion history of the Universe. Here we investigate the SN Ia photometric measurement in the China Space Station Telescope Ultra Deep Field (CSST-UDF) survey, and study the constraint power on the cosmological parameters, such as the equation of state of dark energy. The CSST-UDF survey is expected to cover a 9 deg$^2$ sky area in two years with 250 s $\times$ 60 exposures for each band. The magnitude limit can reach $i\simeq26$ AB mag for 5$σ$ point source detection with a single exposure. We generate light curve mock data for SNe Ia and different types of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe). {\tt SNCosmo} is chosen as the framework by utilizing the SALT3 model to simulate SN Ia data. After selecting high-quality data and fitting the light curves, we derive the light curve parameters and identify CCSNe as contamination, resulting in $\sim2200$ SNe with a $\sim7\%$ CCSN contamination rate. We adopt a calibration method similar to Chauvenet's criterion, and apply it to the distance modulus data to further reduce the contamination. We find that this method is effective and can suppress the contamination fraction to $\sim3.5\%$ with 2012 SNe Ia and 73 CCSNe. In the cosmological fitting stage, we did not distinguish between SNe Ia and CCSNe. We find that the constraint accuracies on $Ω_{\rm M}$, $Ω_Λ$ and $w$ are about two times better than the current SN surveys, and it could be further improved by a factor of $\sim$1.4 if including the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) data from the CSST spectroscopic wide-field galaxy survey. △ Less

Submitted 23 April, 2024; v1 submitted 29 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 12 figures, 5 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Forecasting the BAO Measurements of the CSST galaxy and AGN Spectroscopic Surveys

Authors: Haitao Miao, Yan Gong, Xuelei Chen, Zhiqi Huang, Xiao-Dong Li, Hu Zhan

Abstract: The spectroscopic survey of China's Space Survey Telescope (CSST) is expected to obtain a huge number of slitless spectra, including more than one hundred million galaxy spectra and millions of active galactic nuclei (AGN) spectra. By making use of these spectra, we can measure the Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) signals over large redshift ranges with excellent precisions. In this work, we pred… ▽ More The spectroscopic survey of China's Space Survey Telescope (CSST) is expected to obtain a huge number of slitless spectra, including more than one hundred million galaxy spectra and millions of active galactic nuclei (AGN) spectra. By making use of these spectra, we can measure the Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) signals over large redshift ranges with excellent precisions. In this work, we predict the CSST measurements of the post-reconstruction galaxy power spectra at $0<z<1.2$ and pre-reconstruction AGN power spectra at $0<z<4$, and derive the BAO signals at different redshift bins by constraining the BAO scaling parameters using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Our result shows that the CSST spectroscopic survey can provide accurate BAO measurements with precisions higher than 1\% and 3\% for the galaxy and AGN surveys, respectively. By comparing with current measurements in the same range at low redshifts, this can improve the precisions by a factor of $2\sim3$, and similar precisions can be obtained in the pessimistic case. We also investigate the constraints on the cosmological parameters using the measured BAO data by the CSST, and obtain stringent constraint results for the energy density of dark matter, Hubble constant, and equation of state of dark energy. △ Less

Submitted 29 May, 2024; v1 submitted 28 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 15 pages, 9 figures, 4 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Journal ref: MNRAS, 531, 3991-4005 (2024)

A Joint Fermi-GBM and Swift-BAT Analysis of Gravitational-Wave Candidates from the Third Gravitational-wave Observing Run

Authors: C. Fletcher, J. Wood, R. Hamburg, P. Veres, C. M. Hui, E. Bissaldi, M. S. Briggs, E. Burns, W. H. Cleveland, M. M. Giles, A. Goldstein, B. A. Hristov, D. Kocevski, S. Lesage, B. Mailyan, C. Malacaria, S. Poolakkil, A. von Kienlin, C. A. Wilson-Hodge, The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor Team, M. Crnogorčević, J. DeLaunay, A. Tohuvavohu, R. Caputo, S. B. Cenko , et al. (1674 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (Fermi-GBM) and Swift Burst Alert Telescope (Swift-BAT) searches for gamma-ray/X-ray counterparts to gravitational wave (GW) candidate events identified during the third observing run of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. Using Fermi-GBM on-board triggers and sub-threshold gamma-ray burst (GRB) candidates found in the Fermi-GBM ground analyses,… ▽ More We present Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (Fermi-GBM) and Swift Burst Alert Telescope (Swift-BAT) searches for gamma-ray/X-ray counterparts to gravitational wave (GW) candidate events identified during the third observing run of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. Using Fermi-GBM on-board triggers and sub-threshold gamma-ray burst (GRB) candidates found in the Fermi-GBM ground analyses, the Targeted Search and the Untargeted Search, we investigate whether there are any coincident GRBs associated with the GWs. We also search the Swift-BAT rate data around the GW times to determine whether a GRB counterpart is present. No counterparts are found. Using both the Fermi-GBM Targeted Search and the Swift-BAT search, we calculate flux upper limits and present joint upper limits on the gamma-ray luminosity of each GW. Given these limits, we constrain theoretical models for the emission of gamma-rays from binary black hole mergers. △ Less

Submitted 25 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

SN 2022oqm: A Bright and Multi-peaked Calcium-rich Transient

Authors: S. Karthik Yadavalli, V. Ashley Villar, Luca Izzo, Yossef Zenati, Ryan J. Foley, J. Craig Wheeler, Charlotte R. Angus, Dominik Bánhidi, Katie Auchettl, Barna Imre Bíró, Attila Bódi, Zsófia Bodola, Thomas de Boer, Kenneth C. Chambers, Ryan Chornock, David A. Coulter, István Csányi, Borbála Cseh, Srujan Dandu, Kyle W. Davis, Connor Braden Dickinson, Diego Farias, Joseph Farah, Christa Gall, Hua Gao , et al. (38 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the photometric and spectroscopic evolution of SN 2022oqm, a nearby multi-peaked hydrogen- and helium-weak calcium-rich transient (CaRT). SN 2022oqm was detected 13.1 kpc from its host galaxy, the face-on spiral galaxy NGC 5875. Extensive spectroscopic coverage reveals an early hot (T >= 40,000 K) continuum and carbon features observed $\sim$1~day after discovery, SN Ic-like photospheri… ▽ More We present the photometric and spectroscopic evolution of SN 2022oqm, a nearby multi-peaked hydrogen- and helium-weak calcium-rich transient (CaRT). SN 2022oqm was detected 13.1 kpc from its host galaxy, the face-on spiral galaxy NGC 5875. Extensive spectroscopic coverage reveals an early hot (T >= 40,000 K) continuum and carbon features observed $\sim$1~day after discovery, SN Ic-like photospheric-phase spectra, and strong forbidden calcium emission starting 38 days after discovery. SN 2022oqm has a relatively high peak luminosity (MB = -17 mag) for (CaRTs), making it an outlier in the population. We determine that three power sources are necessary to explain the light curve (LC), with each corresponding to a distinct peak. The first peak is powered by an expanding blackbody with a power law luminosity, suggesting shock cooling by circumstellar material (CSM). Subsequent LC evolution is powered by a double radioactive decay model, consistent with two sources of photons diffusing through optically thick ejecta. From the LC, we derive an ejecta mass and 56Ni mass of ~0.6 solar masses and ~0.09 solar masses. Spectroscopic modeling suggests 0.6 solar masses of ejecta, and with well-mixed Fe-peak elements throughout. We discuss several physical origins for SN 2022oqm and find either a surprisingly massive white dwarf progenitor or a peculiar stripped envelope model could explain SN 2022oqm. A stripped envelope explosion inside a dense, hydrogen- and helium-poor CSM, akin to SNe Icn, but with a large 56Ni mass and small CSM mass could explain SN 2022oqm. Alternatively, helium detonation on an unexpectedly massive white dwarf could also explain SN 2022oqm. △ Less

Submitted 4 April, 2024; v1 submitted 24 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Comments: 35 pages, 17 figures, 7 tables, Accepted for Publication in ApJ

Search for Eccentric Black Hole Coalescences during the Third Observing Run of LIGO and Virgo

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, H. Abe, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, C. Adamcewicz, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, V. B. Adya, C. Affeldt, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, O. D. Aguiar, I. Aguilar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi , et al. (1750 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Despite the growing number of confident binary black hole coalescences observed through gravitational waves so far, the astrophysical origin of these binaries remains uncertain. Orbital eccentricity is one of the clearest tracers of binary formation channels. Identifying binary eccentricity, however, remains challenging due to the limited availability of gravitational waveforms that include effect… ▽ More Despite the growing number of confident binary black hole coalescences observed through gravitational waves so far, the astrophysical origin of these binaries remains uncertain. Orbital eccentricity is one of the clearest tracers of binary formation channels. Identifying binary eccentricity, however, remains challenging due to the limited availability of gravitational waveforms that include effects of eccentricity. Here, we present observational results for a waveform-independent search sensitive to eccentric black hole coalescences, covering the third observing run (O3) of the LIGO and Virgo detectors. We identified no new high-significance candidates beyond those that were already identified with searches focusing on quasi-circular binaries. We determine the sensitivity of our search to high-mass (total mass $M>70$ $M_\odot$) binaries covering eccentricities up to 0.3 at 15 Hz orbital frequency, and use this to compare model predictions to search results. Assuming all detections are indeed quasi-circular, for our fiducial population model, we place an upper limit for the merger rate density of high-mass binaries with eccentricities $0 < e \leq 0.3$ at $0.33$ Gpc$^{-3}$ yr$^{-1}$ at 90\% confidence level. △ Less

Submitted 7 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Comments: 24 pages, 5 figures

Report number: LIGO-P2300080

SN 2023ixf in Messier 101: Photo-ionization of Dense, Close-in Circumstellar Material in a Nearby Type II Supernova

Authors: W. V. Jacobson-Galan, L. Dessart, R. Margutti, R. Chornock, R. J. Foley, C. D. Kilpatrick, D. O. Jones, K. Taggart, C. R. Angus, S. Bhattacharjee, L. A. Braff, D. Brethauer, A. J. Burgasser, F. Cao, C. M. Carlile, K. C. Chambers, D. A. Coulter, E. Dominguez-Ruiz, C. B. Dickinson, T. de Boer, A. Gagliano, C. Gall, H. Gao, E. L. Gates, S. Gomez , et al. (43 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present UV/optical observations and models of supernova (SN) 2023ixf, a type II SN located in Messier 101 at 6.9 Mpc. Early-time ("flash") spectroscopy of SN 2023ixf, obtained primarily at Lick Observatory, reveals emission lines of H I, He I/II, C IV, and N III/IV/V with a narrow core and broad, symmetric wings arising from the photo-ionization of dense, close-in circumstellar material (CSM) l… ▽ More We present UV/optical observations and models of supernova (SN) 2023ixf, a type II SN located in Messier 101 at 6.9 Mpc. Early-time ("flash") spectroscopy of SN 2023ixf, obtained primarily at Lick Observatory, reveals emission lines of H I, He I/II, C IV, and N III/IV/V with a narrow core and broad, symmetric wings arising from the photo-ionization of dense, close-in circumstellar material (CSM) located around the progenitor star prior to shock breakout. These electron-scattering broadened line profiles persist for $\sim$8 days with respect to first light, at which time Doppler broadened features from the fastest SN ejecta form, suggesting a reduction in CSM density at $r \gtrsim 10^{15}$ cm. The early-time light curve of SN2023ixf shows peak absolute magnitudes (e.g., $M_{u} = -18.6$ mag, $M_{g} = -18.4$ mag) that are $\gtrsim 2$ mag brighter than typical type II supernovae, this photometric boost also being consistent with the shock power supplied from CSM interaction. Comparison of SN 2023ixf to a grid of light curve and multi-epoch spectral models from the non-LTE radiative transfer code CMFGEN and the radiation-hydrodynamics code HERACLES suggests dense, solar-metallicity, CSM confined to $r = (0.5-1) \times 10^{15}$ cm and a progenitor mass-loss rate of $\dot{M} = 10^{-2}$ M$_{\odot}$yr$^{-1}$. For the assumed progenitor wind velocity of $v_w = 50$ km s$^{-1}$, this corresponds to enhanced mass-loss (i.e., ``super-wind'' phase) during the last $\sim$3-6 years before explosion. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2023; v1 submitted 7 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 19 pages, 8 figures. Accepted for publication in ApJL

Sensing and control scheme for the inteferometer configuration with an L-shaped resonator

Authors: Xinyao Guo, Teng Zhang, Denis Martynov, Haixing Miao

Abstract: The detection of high-frequency gravitational waves around kHz is critical to understanding the physics of binary neutron star mergers. A new interferometer design has been proposed in [Phys. Rev. X {\bf 13}, 021019 (2023)], featuring an L-shaped optical resonator as the arm cavity, which resonantly enhances kHz gravitational-wave signals. This new configuration has the potential to achieve better… ▽ More The detection of high-frequency gravitational waves around kHz is critical to understanding the physics of binary neutron star mergers. A new interferometer design has been proposed in [Phys. Rev. X {\bf 13}, 021019 (2023)], featuring an L-shaped optical resonator as the arm cavity, which resonantly enhances kHz gravitational-wave signals. This new configuration has the potential to achieve better high-frequency sensitivity than the dual-recycled Fabry-Perot Michelson. In this article, we propose a sensing and control scheme for this configuration. Despite having the same number of length degrees of freedom as the dual-recycled Fabry-Perot Michelson, the new configuration requires one less degree of freedom to be controlled due to the degeneracy of two length degrees of freedom at low frequencies. We has also shown that introducing the Schnupp asymmetry is ineffective for controlling the signal-recycling cavity length. Therefore, we propose adding control fields from the dark port to control this auxiliary degree of freedom. △ Less

Submitted 28 November, 2023; v1 submitted 31 May, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 24 pages,9 figures

Journal ref: Class. Quantum Grav. 40 235005(2023)

On the noise effect of test mass surface roughness in spaceborne gravitational wave detectors

Authors: Hao Yan, Haixing Miao, Shun Wang, Yiqiu Ma, Zebing Zhou

Abstract: Spaceborne gravitational wave detection mission has a demanding requirement for the precision of displacement sensing, which is conducted by the interaction between the laser field and test mass. However, due to the roughness of the reflecting surface of the test mass, the displacement measurement along the sensitive axis suffers a coupling error caused by the residue motion of other degrees of fr… ▽ More Spaceborne gravitational wave detection mission has a demanding requirement for the precision of displacement sensing, which is conducted by the interaction between the laser field and test mass. However, due to the roughness of the reflecting surface of the test mass, the displacement measurement along the sensitive axis suffers a coupling error caused by the residue motion of other degrees of freedom. In this article, we model the coupling of the test mass residue random motion to the displacement sensing along the sensitive axis and derived an analytical formula of the required precision of the surface error for the spaceborne gravitational wave detectors. Our result shows that this coupling error will not contaminate the picometer displacement sensing for the test masses in the LISA pathfinder. △ Less

Submitted 27 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Comments: 8 pages

Flight of the Bumblebee: the Early Excess Flux of Type Ia Supernova 2023bee revealed by $TESS$, $Swift$ and Young Supernova Experiment Observations

Authors: Qinan Wang, Armin Rest, Georgios Dimitriadis, Ryan Ridden-harper, Matthew R. Siebert, Mark Magee, Charlotte R. Angus, Katie Auchettl, Kyle W. Davis, Ryan J. Foley, Ori D. Fox, Sebastian Gomez, Jacob E. Jencson, David O. Jones, Charles D. Kilpatrick, Justin D. R. Pierel, Anthony L. Piro, Abigail Polin, Collin A. Politsch, César Rojas-bravo, Melissa Shahbandeh, V. Ashley Villar, Yossef Zenati, C. Ashall, Kenneth C. Chambers , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present high-cadence ultraviolet through near-infrared observations of the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2023bee in NGC~2708 ($D = 32 \pm 3$ Mpc), finding excess flux in the first days after explosion relative to the expected power-law rise from an expanding fireball. This deviation from typical behavior for SNe Ia is particularly obvious in our 10-minute cadence $TESS$ light curve and $Swift$ UV d… ▽ More We present high-cadence ultraviolet through near-infrared observations of the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2023bee in NGC~2708 ($D = 32 \pm 3$ Mpc), finding excess flux in the first days after explosion relative to the expected power-law rise from an expanding fireball. This deviation from typical behavior for SNe Ia is particularly obvious in our 10-minute cadence $TESS$ light curve and $Swift$ UV data. Compared to a few other normal SNe Ia with detected early excess flux, the excess flux in SN 2023bee is redder in the UV and less luminous. We present optical spectra of SN 2023bee, including two spectra during the period where the flux excess is dominant. At this time, the spectra are similar to those of other SNe Ia but with weaker Si II, C II and Ca II absorption lines, perhaps because the excess flux creates a stronger continuum. We compare the data to several theoretical models that have been proposed to explain the early flux excess in SNe Ia. Interaction with either a nearby companion star or close-in circumstellar material is expected to produce a faster evolution than seen in the data. Radioactive material in the outer layers of the ejecta, either from a double detonation explosion or simply an explosion with a $^{56}$Ni clump near the surface, can not fully reproduce the evolution either, likely due to the sensitivity of early UV observable to the treatment of the outer part of ejecta in simulation. We conclude that no current model can adequately explain the full set of observations. We find that a relatively large fraction of nearby, bright SNe Ia with high-cadence observations have some amount of excess flux within a few days of explosion. Considering potential asymmetric emission, the physical cause of this excess flux may be ubiquitous in normal SNe Ia. △ Less

Submitted 19 November, 2023; v1 submitted 5 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Comments: 21 pages, 12 figures. Accepted by the astrophysical journal

Search for gravitational-lensing signatures in the full third observing run of the LIGO-Virgo network

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, R. Abbott, H. Abe, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, V. B. Adya, C. Affeldt, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, O. D. Aguiar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi, C. Alléné, A. Allocca, P. A. Altin , et al. (1670 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Gravitational lensing by massive objects along the line of sight to the source causes distortions of gravitational wave-signals; such distortions may reveal information about fundamental physics, cosmology and astrophysics. In this work, we have extended the search for lensing signatures to all binary black hole events from the third observing run of the LIGO--Virgo network. We search for repeated… ▽ More Gravitational lensing by massive objects along the line of sight to the source causes distortions of gravitational wave-signals; such distortions may reveal information about fundamental physics, cosmology and astrophysics. In this work, we have extended the search for lensing signatures to all binary black hole events from the third observing run of the LIGO--Virgo network. We search for repeated signals from strong lensing by 1) performing targeted searches for subthreshold signals, 2) calculating the degree of overlap amongst the intrinsic parameters and sky location of pairs of signals, 3) comparing the similarities of the spectrograms amongst pairs of signals, and 4) performing dual-signal Bayesian analysis that takes into account selection effects and astrophysical knowledge. We also search for distortions to the gravitational waveform caused by 1) frequency-independent phase shifts in strongly lensed images, and 2) frequency-dependent modulation of the amplitude and phase due to point masses. None of these searches yields significant evidence for lensing. Finally, we use the non-detection of gravitational-wave lensing to constrain the lensing rate based on the latest merger-rate estimates and the fraction of dark matter composed of compact objects. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Comments: 28 pages, 11 figures

Report number: LIGO-P2200031

Search for subsolar-mass black hole binaries in the second part of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's third observing run

Authors: The LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the Virgo Collaboration, the KAGRA Collaboration, R. Abbott, H. Abe, F. Acernese, K. Ackley, S. Adhicary, N. Adhikari, R. X. Adhikari, V. K. Adkins, V. B. Adya, C. Affeldt, D. Agarwal, M. Agathos, O. D. Aguiar, L. Aiello, A. Ain, P. Ajith, T. Akutsu, S. Albanesi, R. A. Alfaidi, C. Alléné, A. Allocca, P. A. Altin , et al. (1680 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We describe a search for gravitational waves from compact binaries with at least one component with mass 0.2 $M_\odot$ -- $1.0 M_\odot$ and mass ratio $q \geq 0.1$ in Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data collected between 1 November 2019, 15:00 UTC and 27 March 2020, 17:00 UTC. No signals were detected. The most significant candidate has a false alarm rate of 0.2 $\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$. We estimate t… ▽ More We describe a search for gravitational waves from compact binaries with at least one component with mass 0.2 $M_\odot$ -- $1.0 M_\odot$ and mass ratio $q \geq 0.1$ in Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data collected between 1 November 2019, 15:00 UTC and 27 March 2020, 17:00 UTC. No signals were detected. The most significant candidate has a false alarm rate of 0.2 $\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$. We estimate the sensitivity of our search over the entirety of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's third observing run, and present the most stringent limits to date on the merger rate of binary black holes with at least one subsolar-mass component. We use the upper limits to constrain two fiducial scenarios that could produce subsolar-mass black holes: primordial black holes (PBH) and a model of dissipative dark matter. The PBH model uses recent prescriptions for the merger rate of PBH binaries that include a rate suppression factor to effectively account for PBH early binary disruptions. If the PBHs are monochromatically distributed, we can exclude a dark matter fraction in PBHs $f_\mathrm{PBH} \gtrsim 0.6$ (at 90% confidence) in the probed subsolar-mass range. However, if we allow for broad PBH mass distributions we are unable to rule out $f_\mathrm{PBH} = 1$. For the dissipative model, where the dark matter has chemistry that allows a small fraction to cool and collapse into black holes, we find an upper bound $f_{\mathrm{DBH}} < 10^{-5}$ on the fraction of atomic dark matter collapsed into black holes. △ Less

Submitted 26 January, 2024; v1 submitted 2 December, 2022; originally announced December 2022.

Comments: https://dcc.ligo.org/P2200139

Supernova 2020wnt: An Atypical Superluminous Supernova with a Hidden Central Engine

Authors: Samaporn Tinyanont, Stan E. Woosley, Kirsty Taggart, Ryan J. Foley, Lin Yan, Ragnhild Lunnan, Kyle W. Davis, Charles D. Kilpatrick, Matthew R. Siebert, Steve Schulze, Chris Ashall, Ting-Wan Chen, Kishalay De, Georgios Dimitriadis, Dillon Z. Dong, Christoffer Fremling, Alexander Gagliano, Saurabh W. Jha, David O. Jones, Mansi M. Kasliwal, Hao-Yu Miao, Yen-Chen Pan, Daniel A. Perley, Vikram Ravi, César Rojas-Bravo , et al. (12 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present observations of a peculiar hydrogen- and helium-poor stripped-envelope (SE) supernova (SN) 2020wnt, primarily in the optical and near-infrared (near-IR). Its peak absolute bolometric magnitude of -20.9 mag and a rise time of 69~days are reminiscent of hydrogen-poor superluminous SNe (SLSNe~I), luminous transients potentially powered by spinning-down magnetars. Before the main peak, ther… ▽ More We present observations of a peculiar hydrogen- and helium-poor stripped-envelope (SE) supernova (SN) 2020wnt, primarily in the optical and near-infrared (near-IR). Its peak absolute bolometric magnitude of -20.9 mag and a rise time of 69~days are reminiscent of hydrogen-poor superluminous SNe (SLSNe~I), luminous transients potentially powered by spinning-down magnetars. Before the main peak, there is a brief peak lasting <10 days post-explosion, likely caused by interaction with circumstellar medium (CSM) ejected ~years before the SN explosion. The optical spectra near peak lack a hot continuum and OII absorptions, which are signs of heating from a central engine; they quantitatively resemble those of radioactivity-powered H/He-poor Type Ic SESNe. At ~1 year after peak, nebular spectra reveal a blue pseudo-continuum and narrow OI recombination lines associated with magnetar heating. Radio observations rule out strong CSM interactions as the dominant energy source at +266 days post peak. Near-IR observations at +200-300 day reveal carbon monoxide and dust formation, which causes a dramatic optical light curve dip. Pair-instability explosion models predict slow light curve and spectral features incompatible with observations. SN 2020wnt is best explained as a magnetar-powered core-collapse explosion of a 28 Msun pre-SN star. The explosion kinetic energy is significantly larger than the magnetar energy at peak, effectively concealing the magnetar-heated inner ejecta until well after peak. SN 2020wnt falls into a continuum between normal SNe Ic and SLSNe I and demonstrates that optical spectra at peak alone cannot rule out the presence of a central engine. △ Less

Submitted 30 November, 2022; originally announced December 2022.

Comments: Submitted to ApJ

SN 2022ann: A type Icn supernova from a dwarf galaxy that reveals helium in its circumstellar environment

Authors: K. W. Davis, K. Taggart, S. Tinyanont, R. J. Foley, V. A. Villar, L. Izzo, C. R. Angus, M. J. Bustamante-Rosell, D. A. Coulter, N. Earl, D. Farias, J. Hjorth, M. E. Huber, D. O. Jones, P. L. Kelly, C. D. Kilpatrick, D. Langeroodi, H. -Y. Miao, C. M. Pellegrino, E. Ramirez-Ruiz, C. L. Ransome, S. Rest, S. N. Sharief, M. R. Siebert, G. Terreran , et al. (43 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present optical and near-infrared (NIR) observations of the Type Icn supernova (SN Icn) 2022ann, the fifth member of its newly identified class of SNe. Its early optical spectra are dominated by narrow carbon and oxygen P-Cygni features with absorption velocities of 800 km/s; slower than other SNe Icn and indicative of interaction with a dense, H/He-poor circumstellar medium (CSM) that is outfl… ▽ More We present optical and near-infrared (NIR) observations of the Type Icn supernova (SN Icn) 2022ann, the fifth member of its newly identified class of SNe. Its early optical spectra are dominated by narrow carbon and oxygen P-Cygni features with absorption velocities of 800 km/s; slower than other SNe Icn and indicative of interaction with a dense, H/He-poor circumstellar medium (CSM) that is outflowing slower than a typical Wolf-Rayet wind velocity of $>$1000 km/s. We identify helium in NIR spectra obtained two weeks after maximum and in optical spectra at three weeks, demonstrating that the CSM is not fully devoid of helium. We never detect broad spectral features from SN ejecta, including in spectra extending to the nebular phase, a unique characteristic among SNe~Icn. Compared to other SNe Icn, SN 2022ann has a low luminosity, with a peak o-band absolute magnitude of -17.7, and evolves slowly. We model the bolometric light curve and find it is well-described by 1.7 M_Sun of SN ejecta interacting with 0.2 M_sun of CSM. We place an upper limit of 0.04 M_Sun of Ni56 synthesized in the explosion. The host galaxy is a dwarf galaxy with a stellar mass of 10^7.34 M_Sun (implied metallicity of log(Z/Z_Sun) $\approx$ 0.10) and integrated star-formation rate of log(SFR) = -2.20 M_sun/yr; both lower than 97\% of the galaxies observed to produce core-collapse supernovae, although consistent with star-forming galaxies on the galaxy Main Sequence. The low CSM velocity, nickel and ejecta masses, and likely low-metallicity environment disfavour a single Wolf-Rayet progenitor star. Instead, a binary companion star is likely required to adequately strip the progenitor before explosion and produce a low-velocity outflow. The low CSM velocity may be indicative of the outer Lagrangian points in the stellar binary progenitor, rather than from the escape velocity of a single Wolf-Rayet-like massive star. △ Less

Submitted 9 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Comments: 21 pages, 13 figures, to be submitted to MNRAS