Empirically extending the range of validity of parameter-space metrics for all-sky searches for gravitational-wave pulsars

TL;DR

This paper enhances the accuracy of parameter-space metrics used in semicoherent all-sky searches for gravitational-wave pulsars by empirically extending their validity, improving search optimization within fixed computational resources.

Contribution

It introduces an empirical relationship that extends the validity range of existing metrics for better search template bank construction.

Findings

Extended the validity range of parameter-space metrics.

Improved optimization of semicoherent searches at fixed computational cost.

Enhanced sensitivity of gravitational-wave pulsar searches.

Abstract

All-sky searches for gravitational-wave pulsars are generally limited in sensitivity by the finite availability of computing resources. Semicoherent searches are a common method of maximizing search sensitivity given a fixed computing budget. The work of Wette and Prix [Phys. Rev. D 88, 123005 (2013)] and Wette [Phys. Rev. D 92, 082003 (2015)] developed a semicoherent search method which uses metrics to construct the banks of pulsar signal templates needed to search the parameter space of interest. In this work we extend the range of validity of the parameter-space metrics using an empirically-derived relationship between the resolution (or mismatch) of the template banks and the mismatch of the overall search. This work has important consequences for the optimization of metric-based semicoherent searches at fixed computing cost.