Prospects for neutron star parameter estimation using gravitational waves from f modes associated with magnetar flares

Abstract

ABSTRACT Magnetar vibrational modes are theorized to be associated with energetic X-ray flares. Regular searches for gravitational waves from these modes have been performed by Advanced LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) and Advanced Virgo, with no detections so far. Presently, search results are given in upper limits on the root sum square of the integrated gravitational-wave strain. However, the increased sensitivity of current detectors and the promise of future detectors invite the consideration of more astrophysically motivated methods. We present a framework for augmenting gravitational-wave searches to measure or place direct limits on magnetar astrophysical properties in various search scenarios using a set of phenomenological and analytical models.