Maximizing the Early-Detection Science of Advanced LIGO

直接探测宇宙引力波是天体物理学领域即将到来的一项“颠覆性创新”，它将以一种新颖且看似意想不到的方式彻底改变我们对宇宙的理解。美国新发现的关键仪器是先进的激光干涉仪引力波天文台（aLIGO）的探测器。哥伦比亚实验重力小组的研究项目通过提高用于天体物理科学提取的aLIGO数据流的质量来支持即将到来的引力波发现。该小组还率先进行了涉及多个宇宙信使和引力波的数据分析。许多具有强引力场的宇宙物体也拥有最强的磁场，密度最大的（散装）核物质，以及宇宙中最高的中微子通量。这些物体的合并和发射可以引导我们了解新的物理学，并可以告诉我们难以捉摸的宇宙事件。结合来自宇宙不同窗口的信息，包括引力波，将使我们能够重建我们这个时代的宇宙奥秘。从高中到研究生阶段的学生都有机会参与这项研究。哥伦比亚大学的城市环境和现有的外展基础设施将使基于这项研究的独特教育和外展活动成为可能，这些活动不仅针对当地社区的学校和公众，而且还针对纽约大都会地区的学校和公众。aLIGO科学范围的一个关键限制将是由于探测器物理环境的干扰而嵌入数据的伪影。识别环境噪声源，减轻其对干涉仪的影响以及验证仪器定时至关重要(1)确保发现对更广泛的科学界来说是合理的，(2)实现LIGO科学合作的一系列主要科学目标。这些都依赖于实现高级探测器的设计灵敏度和实现尽可能低的假事件率。特别是，该小组将提供探测器噪声性能，物理环境监测和探测器诊断研究方面的专业知识。人们期待的“引力波天文学的曙光”将使人们能够详细分析引力波搜索的科学范围。基于过去的经验，哥伦比亚实验重力小组的科学重点将放在联合搜索的基础、意义和科学提取上，这些联合搜索可能涉及中微子、电磁和其他类似于宇宙爆炸、合并和其他来源的引力波。

Direct detection of cosmic gravitational waves, an upcoming "disruptive innovation" in the field of astrophysics, will revolutionize our understanding of the universe in novel and plausibly unexpected ways. The key instruments for the new discoveries in the United States are the detectors of the advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, aLIGO. The research program of the Columbia Experimental Gravity group supports upcoming gravitational wave discoveries by improving the quality of the aLIGO data-streams available for astrophysical science extraction. The group also pioneers data analysis involving multiple cosmic messengers and gravitational waves. Many cosmic objects with strong gravitational fields also possess the strongest magnetic fields, the densest (bulk) nuclear matter, and the highest neutrino fluxes in the universe. Mergers and emissions of these objects can guide us to new physics, and can tell us about elusive cosmic events. Combining information from different windows on the universe, including gravitational waves, will enable us to reconstruct cosmic mysteries of our times. Students from high school through graduate level will have the opportunity to participate in this research. The urban setting and existing outreach infrastructure of Columbia University will enable unique educational and outreach activities based on this research that target schools and the general public not only in the local community but also in the greater New York City metropolitan area.One of the critical limitations to aLIGO's scientific reach will be the artifacts embedded in the data due to disturbances in the detector's physical environment. The identification of environmental noise sources, the mitigation of their effect in the interferometers as well as the verification of instrument timing is vital (i) for ensuring a discovery that is justifiable to the broader scientific community, and (ii) for the realization of a spectrum of primary science goals for the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. These all rely on achieving the design sensitivity for the advanced detectors and on achieving the lowest possible false event rates. In particular, the group will provide expertise in detector noise performance, physical environmental monitoring, and detector diagnostics studies. The anticipated "dawn of gravitational-wave astronomy" will enable detailed analysis of the science reach of gravitational-wave searches. Building on past experience the Columbia Experimental Gravity group's scientific focus will be on the foundations, implications and science extraction from joint searches that may involve neutrinos, electromagnetic and other counterparts to gravitational-waves from cosmic explosions, mergers, and other sources.