The Swift short gamma-ray burst rate density: Prospects for detecting binary neutron star mergers by aLIGO

David M. Coward, Eric Howell, Tsvi Piran, Giulia Stratta, Marica Branchesi, Omer Bromberg, Bruce Gendre, Ronald Burman, Dafne Guetta

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Presently only 30% of short gamma ray bursts (SGRBs) have accurate redshifts, and this sample is highly biased by the limited sensitivity of Swift to detect SGRBs. We account for the dominant biases to calculate a realistic SGRB rate density out to z = 0.5 using the Swift sample of peak fluxes, redshifts, and those SGRBs with a beaming angle constraint from X-ray/optical observations. Assuming a significant fraction of binary neutron star mergers produce SGRBs, we calculate lower and upper detection rate limits of (1-180) per Yr by an advanced LIGO and Virgo coincidence search. Our detection rate is compatible with extrapolations using Galactic pulsar observations and population synthesis.

Original languageEnglish
JournalProceedings of Science
Volume2012-May
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes
Event2012 Gamma-Ray Bursts Conference, GRB 2012 - Munich, Germany
Duration: 7 May 201211 May 2012

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