The low-mass X-ray binary Scorpius X-1 ( Sco X-1 ) is potentially the most luminous source of continuous gravitational-wave radiation for interferometers such as LIGO and Virgo .
For low-mass X-ray binaries this radiation would be sustained by active accretion of matter from its binary companion .
With the Advanced Detector Era fast approaching , work is underway to develop an array of robust tools for maximizing the science and detection potential of Sco X-1 .
We describe the plans and progress of a project designed to compare the numerous independent search algorithms currently available .
We employ a mock-data challenge in which the search pipelines are tested for their relative proficiencies in parameter estimation , computational efficiency , robustness , and most importantly , search sensitivity .
The mock-data challenge data contains an ensemble of 50 Scorpius X-1 ( Sco X-1 ) type signals , simulated within a frequency band of 50–1500 Hz .
Simulated detector noise was generated assuming the expected best strain sensitivity of Advanced LIGO ( 1 ) and Advanced VIRGO ( 2 ) ( 4 \times 10 ^ { -24 } Hz ^ { -1 / 2 } ) .
A distribution of signal amplitudes was then chosen so as to allow a useful comparison of search methodologies .
A factor of 2 in strain separates the quietest detected signal , at 6.8 \times 10 ^ { -26 } strain , from the torque-balance limit at a spin frequency of 300 Hz , although this limit could range from 1.2 \times 10 ^ { -25 } ( 25 Hz ) to 2.2 \times 10 ^ { -26 } ( 750 Hz ) depending on the unknown frequency of Sco X-1 .
With future improvements to the search algorithms and using advanced detector data , our expectations for probing below the theoretical torque-balance strain limit are optimistic .