Gravitational Wave Astrophysics of Binaries with Compact Objects

该奖项支持PI在LIGO科学合作（LSC）框架内的研究计划，包括主要与包含中子星或黑洞的双星系统相关的源建模和数据分析领域的项目（致密双星）。所支持的研究将有助于回答天体物理学和引力波之间的三个关键问题：（一）目前对引力波探测可能性的预测是什么？(ii)天体物理学研究如何帮助优化引力波的搜索？如何解释引力波观测，以及从这些观测中可以学到什么？更具体地说，这项研究的重点是：（一）应用恒星种群模型的约束条件的基础上测量的物理性质的二进制紧凑的对象，而不仅仅是经验率;这将允许最好的预测预期的LIGO事件率;（二）研究之间的物理相关性紧凑的对象质量和自旋黑洞二进制通知研究的检测效率LIGO;研究双黑洞的质量比，目的是最有效地指导计算合并波形的数值相对论工作;（五）制定适当的统计框架，用于解释上限和可能的检测，以具体解决与依赖性相关的微妙之处LIGO引力波观测是一个复杂的天文学问题，它涉及到对致密天体质量、星系类型和星星形成历史的限制以及少量探测的影响，这个研究项目侧重于一些问题的答案，这些问题对于解释当前和未来的LIGO引力波观测是重要的，关于如何最大限度地从未来的探测中获得收益，以及预期限制当前致密天体形成理论的上限。这项研究的一些基本物理原理将用于制定公共宣传活动。PI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。联合活动包括开发基于计算机的博物馆展览，目的是向公众传播研究成果，提高他们对紧凑物体和引力波物理学的兴趣。PI还积极参与本科生（特别是来自代表性不足的群体的学生）参与研究项目，并在辅导和指导中促进同侪学习框架。

This award supports the PI's program of research within the framework of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) including projects in the areas of source modeling and data analysis relevant primarily to binary stellar systems containing neutron stars or black holes (binary compact objects).The supported research will contribute towards answering three critical questions at the interface between astrophysics and gravitational waves: (i) What are current predictions for the likelihood of gravitational wave detection? (ii) How can astrophysical studies help to optimize searches for gravitational waves? and (iii) How should gravitational wave observations be interpreted and what can be learned about astrophysics from them? More specifically this research focuses on: (i) the application of constraints from stellar population models based on measured physical properties of binary compact objects instead of just empirical rates; this will allow the best possible predictions for expected LIGO event rates; (ii) the study of physical correlations between compact object masses and spins black hole binaries to inform studies of the detection efficiency of LIGO; (iii) the study of mass ratios in binary black holes with the goal of most efficiently guiding the numerical relativity efforts for the calculation of merger waveforms; (iv) the employment of genetic algorithms for highly multi-dimensional searches; (v) the development of a proper statistical framework for the interpretation of both upper limits and possible detections to specifically address subtleties associated with the dependence of limits on compact object mass, galaxy types and star formation histories as well as the effect of small number detections.This research program focuses on a number of questions the answers to which are important for the interpretation of current and future gravitational wave observations with LIGO, on ways of maximizing the gain from future detections, and also on upper limits expected to constrain current theories of compact object formation. Some of the basic underlying physical principles of this research will be used in the development of public outreach activities. The PI will benefit from the long-standing connection between Northwestern University and the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. Joint activities include the development of computer-based museum exhibits with the goal to disseminate the research results to the public and enhance their interest in compact objects and gravitational wave physics.The PI also has an active history and interest in involving undergraduate students (especially those from underrepresented groups) in research projects and promotes a framework of peer learning in tutoring and mentoring.