Non-Gaussianity analysis of GW background made by short-duration burst signals

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new observational method using fourth-order correlations to analyze the non-Gaussianity of a gravitational wave background composed of weak burst signals, aiding in understanding its origin.

Contribution

The paper develops a novel formulation based on geometrical aspects of correlations, enabling the extraction of key parameters related to GW burst signals and assessing detector network sensitivities.

Findings

The method effectively isolates parameters I_2 and V_2 from GW data.

It demonstrates potential to discriminate the origin of GW backgrounds.

Sensitivity evaluations for detector networks are provided.

Abstract

We study an observational method to analyze non-Gaussianity of a gravitational wave (GW) background made by superposition of weak burst signals. The proposed method is based on fourth-order correlations of data from four detectors, and might be useful to discriminate the origin of a GW background. With a formulation newly developed to discuss geometrical aspects of the correlations, it is found that the method provides us with linear combinations of two interesting parameters, I_2 and V_2 defined by the Stokes parameters of individual GW burst signals. We also evaluate sensitivities of specific detector networks to these parameters.