During this session we will discuss the above paper. Owen and Eracleous will lead the discussion by presenting the background and history behind the topic of this paper. The arXiv link to the paper is http://arxiv.org/abs/0809.4031 All members to the CGWP are expected to attend as if this were a regular seminar and to read this paper ahead of time so that they can participate in the discussion.
Paper Abstract: The spin frequency distribution of accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars cuts off sharply above 730 Hz, well below the breakup spin rate for most neutron star equations of state. I review several different ideas for explaining this cutoff. There is currently considerable interest in the idea that gravitational radiation from rapidly rotating pulsars might act to limit spin up by accretion, possibly allowing eventual direct detection with gravitational wave interferometers. I describe how long-term X-ray timing of fast accreting millisecond pulsars like the 599 Hz source IGR J00291+5934 can test the gravitational wave model for the spin frequency limit.