Maximizing the Early-Detection Science of Advanced LIGO

对宇宙引力波的直接探测是天体物理学领域即将到来的一项“颠覆性创新”，它将以一种新颖的、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。哥伦比亚实验引力小组的研究计划通过提高可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。该小组还开创了涉及多个宇宙信使和引力波的数据分析。许多具有强大引力场的宇宙物体还拥有宇宙中最强的磁场、最密集的(大块)核物质和最高的中微子通量。这些天体的合并和排放可以引导我们走向新的物理，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时代的宇宙奥秘。从高中到研究生阶段的学生都将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，也针对大纽约市大都市区的学校和公众。LIGO的科学覆盖范围的关键限制之一将是由于探测器物理环境的干扰而嵌入数据中的人工制品。确定环境噪声源、减轻其在干涉仪中的影响以及验证仪器计时是至关重要的(I)确保发现对更广泛的科学界是合理的，以及(Ii)实现LIGO科学合作的一系列主要科学目标。所有这些都依赖于实现先进探测器的设计灵敏度和实现可能的最低误事件率。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。预期中的“引力波天文学的曙光”将使对引力波搜索的科学范围进行详细分析成为可能。在过去经验的基础上，哥伦比亚实验引力小组的科学重点将是联合搜索的基础、影响和科学提取，这些搜索可能涉及中微子、电磁和其他对应物，以及来自宇宙爆炸、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.