Detecting gravitational waves from accreting neutron stars

The gravitational waves emitted by neutron stars carry unique information about their structure and composition. Direct detection of these gravitational waves. however, is a formidable technical challenge. In a recent study we quantified the hurdles facing searches for gravitational waves from the known accreting neutron stars. given the level of uncertainty that exists regarding spin and orbital parameters. In this paper we reflect on our conclusions, and issue all open challenge to the theoretical community to consider how searches Should be designed to yield the most astrophysically interesting upper limits. With this in mind we examine some more optimistic emission scenarios involving spin-clown, and show that there arc technically feasible searches, particularly for the accreting millisecond pulsars, that might place meaningful constraints oil torque mechanisms. We finish with a brief discussion of prospects for indirect detection. (C) 2009 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.