Optimizing the choice of analysis method for all-sky searches for continuous gravitational waves with Einstein@Home

Abstract

Rapidly rotating neutron stars are promising sources of continuous gravitational wave radiation for the LIGO and Virgo interferometers. The majority of neutron stars in our galaxy have not been identified with electromagnetic observations. All-sky searches for isolated neutron stars offer the potential to detect gravitational waves from these unidentified sources. The parameter space of these blind all-sky searches, which also cover a large range of frequencies and frequency derivatives, presents a significant computa- tional challenge. Various methods have been designed to perform these searches within the limits of available computing resources. Recently, a search method called Weave has been proposed to achieve template placement with a minimal number of templates.