RUI: Data Analysis, Statistical Strategies, and Detector Characterization for LIGO

激光干涉引力波天文台（LIGO）的数据分析正在开发和实施新的统计策略。有趣的天体物理现象应该被观察到：合并的双星系统，黑洞的形成，超新星，脉冲星，甚至大爆炸本身。新的计算技术将用于估计参数和产生统计数据。这些方法已经在经济学和其他科学的复杂问题中得到了成功的证明。这些新技术将被带到LIGO及其数据中。引力波天文学正在进入令人兴奋的发现阶段，并提出了许多统计方法问题。这个项目将有助于物理学和统计学前沿的重大研究。这项工作将产生许多更广泛的影响。卡尔顿学院在培养未来科学家方面处于领先地位。该项目将为对物理和统计学感兴趣的学生提供研究机会。这个项目将为培养下一代科学家提供重要的教育机会。PI及其合作者开发的计算统计方法在其他领域产生了重大影响。初始引力波的结果已经在宇宙微波背景分析和噪声混沌系统中得到了应用。卡尔顿大学的教职员工，包括PI，也积极参与科学推广活动。高中学生和老师经常接触到LIGO研究的奇迹和意义，这种延伸为科学和物理创造了很多兴奋。

Novel statistical strategies are being developed and implemented for the analysis of data from the Laser Interferometric Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). Interesting astrophysical phenomena should be observed: coalescing binary systems, black hole formation, supernovae, pulsars and perhaps even the Big Bang itself. New computing techniques will be used for estimating parameters and generating statistics. These methods have been successfully demonstrated in complex problems in economics and other sciences. These novel techniques will be brought to LIGO and its data. Gravity wave astronomy is entering the exciting phase of discovery and raising many statistical methodological issues. This project will contribute to significant research at the frontiers of physics and statistics.This work will have many broader impacts. Carleton College is a leader in producing future scientists. This project will provide research opportunities to motivated students with interests in physics and statistics. This project will provide important educational opportunities for the training of the next generation of scientists. The computational statistical methods developed by the PI and collaborators have had significant influence in other fields. The initial gravity wave results have found applications with cosmic microwave background analysis, and noisy chaotic systems. Carleton faculty, including the PI, are also active in scientific outreach. High school students and teachers are regularly exposed to the wonder and significance of LIGO's research, and this outreach creates much excitement for science and physics.