Topics in Gravitational-Wave Astrophysics

<p>In this dissertation we study the applicability of different waveform models in</p> <p>gravitational wave searches for comparable mass binary black holes. We determine</p> <p>the domain of applicability of the computationally inexpensive closed form models,</p> <p>and the same for the semi-analytic models that have been calibrated to Numerical</p> <p>Relativity simulations (and are computationally more expensive). We further explore</p> <p>the option of using hybrid waveforms, constructed by numerically stitching analytic</p> <p>and numerical waveforms, as filters in gravitational wave detection searches. Beyond</p> <p>matched-filtering, there is extensive processing of the filter output before a detection</p> <p>candidate can be confirmed. We utilize recent results from Numerical Relativity to</p> <p>study the ability of LIGO searches to make detections, using (recolored) detector data.</p> <p>Lastly, we develop a waveform model, using recent self-force results, that captures</p> <p>the complete binary coalescence process. The self-force formalism was developed in</p> <p>the context of extreme mass-ratio binaries, and we successfully extend it to model</p> <p>intermediate mass-ratios.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Year

2014

Author dc:creator

• Kumar, Prayush

Contributors dc:contributor

• Duncan A. Brown

• Black holes
• Gravitational waves
• Gravity
• LIGO
• Numerical Relativity
• post-Newtonian
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Repository record dc:identifier

https://surface.syr.edu/etd/173

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:surface.syr.edu:etd-1173