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

正在开发和实施新的统计策略，用于分析激光干涉引力波天文台（LIGO）的数据。 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，恒星，甚至大爆炸本身。 新的计算技术将用于估计参数和生成统计数据。 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学问题。 该项目将对物理学和统计学前沿领域的重要研究做出贡献，并将产生更广泛的影响。 卡尔顿学院是培养未来科学家的领导者。 本项目将为对物理和统计感兴趣的学生提供研究机会。 该项目将为培养下一代科学家提供重要的教育机会。PI和合作者开发的计算统计方法在其他领域产生了重大影响。 初始重力波的结果已经应用于宇宙微波背景分析和噪声混沌系统。卡尔顿学院，包括PI，也积极参与科学推广。 高中学生和教师经常接触到LIGO研究的奇迹和意义，这种推广为科学和物理学带来了很多兴奋。

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.