On the use of higher order waveforms in the search for gravitational waves emitted by compact binary coalescences

TL;DR

This thesis explores the integration of higher order waveform models into gravitational wave data analysis, demonstrating improved detection efficiency and parameter estimation for compact binary coalescences.

Contribution

It introduces a new search algorithm that incorporates higher order waveforms and a novel windowing method, enhancing gravitational wave detection capabilities.

Findings

Higher order waveforms improve detection efficiency.

New search algorithm shows promising results.

Proposed windowing method benefits waveform analysis.

Abstract

This thesis concerns the use, in gravitational wave data analysis, of higher order waveform models of the gravitational radiation emitted by compact binary coalescences. We begin with an introductory chapter that includes an overview of the theory of general relativity, gravitational radiation and ground-based interferometric gravitational wave detectors. We then discuss, in Chapter 2, the gravitational waves emitted by compact binary coalescences, with an explanation of higher order waveforms and how they differ from leading order waveforms; we also introduce the post-Newtonian formalism. In Chapter 3 the method and results of a gravitational wave search for low mass compact binary coalescences using a subset of LIGO's 5th science run data are presented and in the subsequent chapter we examine how one could use higher order waveforms in such analyses. We follow the development of a new search algorithm that incorporates higher order waveforms with promising results for detection efficiency and parameter estimation. In Chapter 5, a new method of windowing time-domain waveforms that offers benefit to gravitational wave searches is presented. The final chapter covers the development of a game designed as an outreach project to raise public awareness and understanding of the search for gravitational waves.