Abstract. The basic problem for gravitational wave detectors is to detect very small signals in the presence of noise which is often not Gaussian and not stationary. We cope with this problem by applying data filters, matched to short bursts, based on power spectra obtained online. We describe the new procedure adopted by the Rome group, where the signal-to-noise ratios obtained with various algorithms are compared and the best one is selected. The selected algorithm depends on the noise characteristics at that particular time.

Print publication: Issue 7 (7 April 2002)
Received 1 October 2001, in final form 2 November 2001
Published 14 March 2002