Center for Relativistic Astrophysics (CRA) - Prof. Jacob Lange

RIFT'ing the Waves: An algorithm to perform Rapid parameter inference on gavitational wave sources via Iterative FiTing

Abstract

As the gravitational wave (GW) observatories get more sensitive, the number of confident detection will grow exponentially. Conventional parameter estimation (PE) algorithms have to use specifically-tuned settings with fast waveform models to estimation parameters on multiple day timescales. As more events get detected and more sophisticated (and slower) models get developed, it will be necessary to speed up the runtime of these analyses. I introduce a rapid PE algorithm: RIFT. This algorithm can  estimate parameters of GW events in a shorter time period with slower waveform models as well as with numerical relativity waveforms (NR). In this talk, I will first introduce the methodology to the algorithm as well as tests we have done to check for systematic biases. I will show examples of real and synthetic events with different types of waveforms. I will then present practical applications that the algorithm can be uniquely applied to. Lastly, I will present updates and improvements we are making to the algorithm.

Event Details

Date/Time:

  • Date: 
    Thursday, September 12, 2019 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Location:
Boggs Building Vizlab 1-44

For More Information Contact

James Clark and Prof. Deirdre Shoemaker