Correlation between gamma ray bursts and gravitational wave bursts: the AURIGA complete data analysis

A widely accepted paradigm for astrophysical models of gamma ray bursts (GRB) prescribes a compact ‘central engine’ dominated by gravitational interactions, and therefore a concurrent emission of GRBs and gravitational wave bursts is likely to occur. Consequently, we have tested a novel and reliable method for searching for time correlation in the AURIGA and BATSE complete dataset. The analysis covers the period 1997-1999. The obtained upper limit on the averaged gravitational wave energy released in a neighbourhood of 300 s around the GRB triggers is hRMS = 1.8 * 10^-18 at 95% confidence level. We also estimate the minimum statistical coverage of confidence levels for a frequentist interpretation of our upper limit.