Binary Compact Objects as Gravitational Wave Sources: Modeling and Data Analysis

本计画主要研究与致密星体系统相关的重力波源模拟与资料分析。主要目标是提供必要的理论基础，（i）理解和解释当前和未来的引力波观测和（ii）有效的引力波数据分析方法的发展，这将有助于推导出天体物理源属性的物理约束。更具体地说，拟议的工作侧重于：（i）为具体观测系统和致密天体的整个群体建立理论模型，（ii）开发用于解释观测的统计工具和推导理论模型的约束条件，以及（iii）探索创新的数据分析方法，以最有效地利用未来的引力波数据，重点是物理参数估计;后者对引力波解释和唯象学的发展至关重要。这项研究的一些基本的物理原理将用于公共宣传活动的发展，这些活动将受益于并建立在西北大学和美国大学之间的长期联系上。阿德勒天文馆和天文博物馆该计划包括为基于计算机的交互式博物馆展览开发内容，目的是向公众传播研究成果，提高他们对致密恒星系统和引力波物理学的兴趣。该项目将涉及研究生和本科生（特别是那些来自代表性不足的群体）。研究活动侧重于一些问题，这些问题的答案对于解释LIGO和其他地基探测器当前和未来的引力波观测非常重要。未来几年对引力波物理学的发展和解释非常重要，这项研究的重点是如何最大限度地提高未来探测的收益，但也将使用观测到的上限来约束当前的致密天体形成理论。

This project studies gravitational wave source modeling and data analysis relevant primarily to systems of compact stellar objects. The main goal is to provide the theoretical basis necessary for (i) the understanding and interpretation of current and future gravitational wave observations and (ii) the development of efficient gravitational wave data analysis methods that will facilitate the derivation of physical constraints on the properties of the astrophysical sources. More specifically the proposed work focuses on the: (i) construction of theoretical models for both specific observed systems and whole populations of compact objects, (ii) development of statistical tools for the interpretation of observations and the derivation of constraints on the theoretical models, and (iii) exploration of innovative data analysis methods for the most efficient use of future gravitational wave data with focus on physical parameter estimation; the latter is crucial for the development of gravitational wave interpretation and phenomenology. Some of the basic underlying physical principles of this research will be used in the development of public outreach activities which will benefit from and build upon the long-standing connection between Northwestern U. and the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. The plan includes the development of content for computer-based, interactive museum exhibits with the goal to disseminate the research results to the public and enhance their interest in compact stellar systems and gravitationalwave physics. The project will involve both graduate and undergraduate students (especially those from underrepresented groups).The research activity focuses on a number of questions the answers to which are important for the interpretation of current and future gravitational wave observations with LIGO and other ground-based detectors. The next few years are very important for the development of gravitational wave physics and interpretation and this research focuses on ways of maximizing the gain from future detections, but also will use observed upper limits to constrain current theories of compact object formation.