Status of the LIGO detectors

Abstract

All three LIGO detectors have reached sensitivities within a factor of 2 of design over a wide range of frequencies. A sky-averaged detection range (SNR > 8) of more than 10 Mpc for inspiral binary neutron stars with masses of 1.4 Msol has been achieved with the best instrument. The fourth LIGO science run taking data for 30 days has been completed earlier this year with a triple coincidence duty cycle greater than 50%. A commissioning effort to scale up the cavity powers to design sensitivity as well as preparations for an extended science run is underway. The data from the first two science runs were fully analysed and results are summarized.