Gravitational Wave Astrophysics of Binaries with Compact Objects

该奖项支持PI在LIGO科学合作（LSC）框架内的研究项目，包括源建模和数据分析领域的项目，主要涉及包含中子星或黑洞的双星系统（双星紧凑型物体）。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：(i)目前对引力波探测可能性的预测是什么？天体物理学研究如何有助于优化对引力波的搜索？（三）应如何解释引力波观测，以及可以从中了解天体物理学的哪些知识？更具体地说，本研究侧重于：(i)应用基于测量的二元致密天体的物理性质而不仅仅是经验率的恒星人口模型的约束；这将允许对预期的LIGO事件率进行最好的预测；（ii）研究致密物体质量与自旋黑洞双星之间的物理相关性，为LIGO的探测效率研究提供信息；（iii）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；（iv）采用遗传算法进行高度多维搜索；(v)为解释上限和可能的探测开发一个适当的统计框架，以具体处理与极限对致密物体质量、星系类型和恒星形成历史的依赖以及少量探测的影响有关的微妙之处。这个研究项目集中在一些问题上，这些问题的答案对于解释LIGO当前和未来的引力波观测很重要，关于从未来探测中获得最大收益的方法，以及期望限制当前致密物体形成理论的上限。这项研究的一些基本的基本物理原理将用于发展公共宣传活动。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览，目的是向公众传播研究成果，提高他们对致密物体和引力波物理学的兴趣。PI在让本科生（特别是那些来自代表性不足群体的学生）参与研究项目方面有着积极的历史和兴趣，并在辅导和指导中促进了同伴学习的框架。

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.