Date of Award
12-1-2014
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Physics
Advisor(s)
Duncan A. Brown
Keywords
Black holes, Gravitational waves, Gravity, LIGO, Numerical Relativity, post-Newtonian
Subject Categories
Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Abstract
In this dissertation we study the applicability of different waveform models in
gravitational wave searches for comparable mass binary black holes. We determine
the domain of applicability of the computationally inexpensive closed form models,
and the same for the semi-analytic models that have been calibrated to Numerical
Relativity simulations (and are computationally more expensive). We further explore
the option of using hybrid waveforms, constructed by numerically stitching analytic
and numerical waveforms, as filters in gravitational wave detection searches. Beyond
matched-filtering, there is extensive processing of the filter output before a detection
candidate can be confirmed. We utilize recent results from Numerical Relativity to
study the ability of LIGO searches to make detections, using (recolored) detector data.
Lastly, we develop a waveform model, using recent self-force results, that captures
the complete binary coalescence process. The self-force formalism was developed in
the context of extreme mass-ratio binaries, and we successfully extend it to model
intermediate mass-ratios.
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Kumar, Prayush, "Topics in Gravitational-Wave Astrophysics" (2014). Dissertations - ALL. 173.
https://surface.syr.edu/etd/173
