Binary Compact Objects as Gravitational Wave Sources: Modeling and Data Analysis

该项目主要研究与致密天体系统有关的引力波源建模和数据分析。其主要目标是提供必要的理论基础，以便(1)理解和解释当前和未来的引力波观测，以及(2)开发有效的引力波数据分析方法，以促进对天体物理源性质的物理约束的推导。更具体地说，拟议的工作侧重于：(1)建立特定观测系统和致密天体整体的理论模型；(2)开发用于解释观测数据和推导理论模型约束条件的统计工具；(3)探索最有效地利用未来引力波数据的创新数据分析方法，重点是物理参数估计；后者对于发展引力波解释和现象学至关重要。这项研究的一些基本物理原理将用于开发公共推广活动，这些活动将受益于西北大学与阿德勒天文馆和天文博物馆之间的长期联系并建立在此基础上。该计划包括开发基于计算机的互动博物馆展品的内容，目的是向公众传播研究成果，并提高他们对致密恒星系统和引力波物理的兴趣。该项目将涉及研究生和本科生(特别是那些来自代表性不足群体的学生)。研究活动集中在一些问题上，这些问题的答案对于用LIGO和其他地面探测器解释当前和未来的引力波观测非常重要。未来几年对引力波物理和解释的发展非常重要，这项研究的重点是如何最大限度地增加未来探测的增益，但也将利用观测到的上限来约束当前的致密天体形成理论。

This project studies gravitational wave source modeling and data analysis relevant primarily to systems of compact stellar objects. The main goal is to provide the theoretical basis necessary for (i) the understanding and interpretation of current and future gravitational wave observations and (ii) the development of efficient gravitational wave data analysis methods that will facilitate the derivation of physical constraints on the properties of the astrophysical sources. More specifically the proposed work focuses on the: (i) construction of theoretical models for both specific observed systems and whole populations of compact objects, (ii) development of statistical tools for the interpretation of observations and the derivation of constraints on the theoretical models, and (iii) exploration of innovative data analysis methods for the most efficient use of future gravitational wave data with focus on physical parameter estimation; the latter is crucial for the development of gravitational wave interpretation and phenomenology. Some of the basic underlying physical principles of this research will be used in the development of public outreach activities which will benefit from and build upon the long-standing connection between Northwestern U. and the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. The plan includes the development of content for computer-based, interactive museum exhibits with the goal to disseminate the research results to the public and enhance their interest in compact stellar systems and gravitationalwave physics. The project will involve both graduate and undergraduate students (especially those from underrepresented groups).The research activity focuses on a number of questions the answers to which are important for the interpretation of current and future gravitational wave observations with LIGO and other ground-based detectors. The next few years are very important for the development of gravitational wave physics and interpretation and this research focuses on ways of maximizing the gain from future detections, but also will use observed upper limits to constrain current theories of compact object formation.