The detectability of eccentric compact binary coalescences with advanced gravitational-wave detectors

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new parameterization method to enhance the detection of low-eccentricity compact binary coalescences with advanced gravitational-wave detectors, addressing challenges posed by eccentric orbits in signal detection.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel parameterization designed to improve sensitivity to low-eccentricity binary signals, making detection more robust and computationally efficient.

Findings

Parameterization enhances detection sensitivity for low-eccentricity binaries.

Advanced detectors may detect eccentric binaries if models are accurate.

Null results unlikely to exclude eccentric binary population models.

Abstract

Compact binary coalescences are a promising source of gravitational waves for second-generation interferometric gravitational-wave detectors such as advanced LIGO and advanced Virgo. While most binaries are expected to possess circular orbits, some may be eccentric, for example, if they are formed through dynamical capture. Eccentric orbits can create difficulty for matched filtering searches due to the challenges of creating effective template banks to detect these signals. In previous work, we showed how seedless clustering can be used to detect low-mass ($M_\text{total}\leq10M_\odot$) compact binary coalescences for both spinning and eccentric systems, assuming a circular post-Newtonian expansion. Here, we describe a parameterization that is designed to maximize sensitivity to low-eccentricity ($0\leq\epsilon\leq0.6$) systems, derived from the analytic equations. We show that this parameterization provides a robust and computationally efficient method for detecting eccentric low-mass compact binaries. Based on these results, we conclude that advanced detectors will have a chance of detecting eccentric binaries if optimistic models prove true. However, a null observation is unlikely to firmly rule out models of eccentric binary populations.