9308728 Finn Should construction progress according to schedule, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory (LIGO) detector will make its first observations in the late 1990s. Consequently, there is an urgent need for accurate and complete appraisals of sources of gravitational radiation to 1. Guide the design of the advanced LIGO X instrumentation, ! 2. Provide the foundation for the analysis and X interpretation of the forth coming observations and ! 3. Suggest directions for the initial investigations of X gravitational wave astronomy. ! In order to be useful, these appraisals must take into account the precise nature of the LIGO detector and our best understanding of the anticipated radiation sources. With this motivation and goal, Prof. Finn will initiate a program of research to provide detailed assessments of astrophysical sources of gravitational radiation appropriate for modern interferometric gravitational wave detectors. The sources considered will include inspiralling binary neutron star/black hole systems, freely precessing pulsars, and non axisymmetric (rotating, but not precessing) pulsars. ***
