Decoding the cosmos with gravitational waves

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Gravitational waves are excellent probes of the inner dynamics of some of the most energetic astrophysical events in the Universe. Generated by asymmetric acceleration of mass, these tiny ripples in the fabric of spacetime interact very weakly with matter, allowing the information imprinted in these signals to travel over billions of light years without distortion from dust or galaxies. This signal clarity offers unprecedented tests of fundamental physics through the laboratory of cosmic collisions and explosions. LIGO-Virgo observations to date have had profound implications for physics at all scales. We have constrained models for hyper-dense neutron stars, provided new insight into the physics of relativistic jets, fundamentally changed our understanding of the origin of heavy elements, and independently measured the rate of expansion of the Universe. The field of gravitational-wave astronomy is now poised for an exciting period of tremendous growth. With planned expansion of the global detector network over the next five years, we are on the precipice of a flood of new gravitational-wave discoveries, which in turn will yield new opportunities for multi-messenger astronomy, cosmology, and increasingly precise tests of general relativity. Critical to the successful extraction of astrophysics from gravitational-wave observations is a deep understanding of gravitational-wave data analysis and interferometer noise, where I am one of the world's leading experts. If funded, my research program will increase the number of confident discoveries the Advanced LIGO detectors will make during the lifetime of the experiment. My group's contributions to detector noise reduction are vital to the scientific output of the entire global LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration. Additionally, our proposed analysis work over the next five years will maximize the science potential of upgrades to existing ground-based gravitational-wave detectors planned for the coming decade and beyond. We will also extend existing analysis techniques to contribute to multi-wavelength GW astronomy by laying the groundwork to search for promising new sources of gravitational-wave signals with space-based detector LISA. This program will firmly establish Canada's central role in the burgeoning field of gravitational wave astronomy. Strong Canadian involvement with the Advanced LIGO detectors and contributions to new gravitational wave detections will in turn will leverage Canadian telescope assets pursuing multi-messenger astronomy. Most importantly, this program will train a new generation of gravitational-wave astrophysicists. HQP trainees will emerge with the expertise needed to advance this frontier of humanity's knowledge of the Universe with future detectors on Earth and in space. In the process, trainees will also acquire highly transferrable data science skills needed to enrich Canada's scientific and industrial frontiers.