Algorithm to search for gravitational radiation from coalescing binaries

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Abstract
This paper describes an algorithm to search for gravitational radiation from coalescing compact binary stars. As two stars rotate about each other they emit gravitational radiation, causing the stars to spiral together. One’s best chance of detection is in the binary’s last few moments, when the signal is strongest and the frequency is changing rapidly. This algorithm will track the change in frequency, no matter what the masses of the stars in the binary; thus, one can conduct a search for coalescing binaries without making assumptions about the stars’ masses. This algorithm is capable of analyzing the data in real time.