MG11 
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Searching for gravitational waves in coincidence with astrophysical event triggers

A violent astrophysical event, such as supernova or gamma-ray burst is detected every few days. The present consensus is that long GRBs and type II supernovae are associated with the core collapse of massive stars resulting in compact cosmic object formation and that short GRBs can accompany the binary inspiral of compact cosmic objects. The violent formation of black holes have long been proposed as a potential source of gravitational waves. Therefore, we have a strong reason to expect association between such astrophysical events and gravitational waves, which will provide new windows on compact and difficult to study astronomical objects. Consequently, one of the major goals of interferometric gravitational wave detectors is to develop and exploit gravitational wave detection in conjunction with promising astrophysical observations. I will summarize our present efforts and results to date on this front within the context of the ongoing 5th scientific run of the LIGO detectors.

Yukawa-like Potential Tests Using Dynamic Gravity-Gradients in Interferometric Gravitational-Wave Detectors

Modern interferometric Gravitational-Wave detectors represent the most sensitive interferometers of our time. By tracking the displacement of their suspended Test Masses, they are currently capable of measuring displacements down to the order of $\sim10^{-19}\ \mathrm{m/\sqrt{Hz}}$. Beyond the detection of gravitational waves, we present an additional way of utilizing the extreme sensitivity of present and future interferometric Gravitational-Wave detectors. We induce displacement of a Test Mass via a well-controlled time dependent gravitational field using a Dynamic gravity Field Generator (DFG). This allows us to explore perturbative deviations of gravitational force from the classical Newtonian $1/r^2$ law. Our measurements concentrate on Yukawa-like contributions to the classical gravitational potential. A DFG also has a great advantage to be used as an accurate calibration device for future interferometric Gravitational Wave detectors.