The direct detection of gravitational waves with the next-generation detectors, like Advanced LIGO, provides the opportunity to measure deviations from the predictions of general relativity. One such departure would be the existence of alternative polarizations. To measure these, we study a single detector measurement of a continuous gravitational wave from a triaxial pulsar source. We develop methods to detect signals of any polarization content and distinguish between them in a model-independent way. We present LIGO Science Run 5 sensitivity estimates for 115 pulsars.

• Received 3 February 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.91.082002