Parameter estimation for compact binary coalescence signals with the first generation gravitational-wave detector network

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the capability of current gravitational-wave detectors to accurately estimate parameters of simulated compact binary coalescence signals, including masses, spins, and locations, in preparation for advanced detector operations.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive analysis of parameter estimation techniques applied to simulated signals in real detector data, including a blind injection, highlighting readiness for future advanced detector data.

Findings

Successful extraction of source parameters from simulated signals

Demonstrated ability to distinguish models despite data artifacts

Validated parameter estimation methods for a range of masses and spins

Abstract

Compact binary systems with neutron stars or black holes are one of the most promising sources for ground-based gravitational wave detectors. Gravitational radiation encodes rich information about source physics; thus parameter estimation and model selection are crucial analysis steps for any detection candidate events. Detailed models of the anticipated waveforms enable inference on several parameters, such as component masses, spins, sky location and distance that are essential for new astrophysical studies of these sources. However, accurate measurements of these parameters and discrimination of models describing the underlying physics are complicated by artifacts in the data, uncertainties in the waveform models and in the calibration of the detectors. Here we report such measurements on a selection of simulated signals added either in hardware or software to the data collected by the two LIGO instruments and the Virgo detector during their most recent joint science run, including a "blind injection" where the signal was not initially revealed to the collaboration. We exemplify the ability to extract information about the source physics on signals that cover the neutron star and black hole parameter space over the individual mass range 1 Msun - 25 Msun and the full range of spin parameters. The cases reported in this study provide a snap-shot of the status of parameter estimation in preparation for the operation of advanced detectors.