Searching for gravitational waves with LIGO

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors have reached their design sensitivity, and searches for gravitational waves are ongoing. We highlight current attempts to detect various classes of signals. These include unmodelled sub-second bursts of gravitational radiation, such as from core-collapse supernovae and gamma-ray burst engines. Gravitational waves from isolated neutron stars and from the inspiral/merger of compact binary systems carry information about the bulk properties of black holes and neutron stars. A stochastic background of gravitational waves of cosmological origin would provide a unique view of conditions in the very early universe. We discuss current attempts to detect gravitational waves from these sources and comment on future prospects for these searches.