Source localization with an advanced gravitational wave detector network

TL;DR

This paper derives a general formula for source localization accuracy in gravitational wave detector networks, demonstrating how additional detectors and their placement improve localization of compact binary signals.

Contribution

It provides a new analytical expression for localization accuracy applicable to any detector network configuration, including the impact of detector placement.

Findings

Adding more detectors improves localization precision.

Relocating a detector to Australia enhances localization capabilities.

The formula applies to networks with any number of detectors.

Abstract

We derive an expression for the accuracy with which sources can be localized using a network of gravitational wave detectors. The result is obtained via triangulation, using timing accuracies at each detector and is applicable to a network with any number of detectors. We use this result to investigate the ability of advanced gravitational wave detector networks to accurately localize signals from compact binary coalescences. We demonstrate that additional detectors can significantly improve localization results and illustrate our findings with networks comprised of the advanced LIGO, advanced Virgo and LCGT. In addition, we evaluate the benefits of relocating one of the advanced LIGO detectors to Australia.