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，包括主要与含有中子星或黑洞(双星致密物体)的双星系统有关的源建模和数据分析领域的项目。得到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：(I)目前对引力波探测可能性的预测是什么？(2)天体物理学研究如何有助于优化引力波的搜索？以及(Iii)应该如何解释引力波观测，从中可以学到什么天体物理学知识？更具体地说，这项研究的重点是：(I)基于测量的双星致密天体的物理性质而不仅仅是经验速率，应用来自恒星布居模型的约束；这将允许对预期的LIGO事件率进行最好的可能预测；(Ii)研究致密天体质量和自旋黑洞双星之间的物理关联，以便为研究LIGO的探测效率提供信息；(Iii)研究双星黑洞中的质量比，目标是最有效地指导计算合并波形的数值相对论工作；(Iv)使用遗传算法进行高度多维搜索；(5)为解释上限和可能的探测制定一个适当的统计框架，以具体处理与极限对致密天体质量、星系类型和恒星形成历史的依赖以及小数目探测的影响有关的微妙问题。这项研究方案侧重于一些问题的答案，这些问题的答案对于解释LIGO当前和未来的引力波观测是重要的，关于如何最大限度地增加未来探测的增益，以及预计将约束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则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。联合活动包括发展以电脑为基础的博物馆展品，目的是向公众传播研究成果，并提高他们对致密物体和引力波物理的兴趣。国际学生联合会也有活跃的历史和兴趣，让本科生(特别是那些来自代表不足的群体的学生)参与研究项目，并在辅导和辅导中促进同行学习的框架。

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.