Uncertainty limits on neutron star radius measurements with gravitational waves

TL;DR

This paper assesses the fundamental limits imposed by uncertainties on neutron star radius measurements using gravitational wave data, analyzing systematic errors and their mitigation strategies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive evaluation of systematic errors affecting neutron star radius estimates from gravitational waves and suggests methods to reduce their impact.

Findings

Projected radius uncertainty of 50-200m with 2000 sources

Systematic errors can significantly bias radius measurements

Mitigation strategies can improve measurement accuracy

Abstract

Upcoming observing campaigns with improved detectors will yield numerous detections of gravitational waves from neutron star binary inspirals. Rare loud signals together with numerous signals of moderate strength promise stringent constraints on the properties of neutron star matter, with a projected radius statistical uncertainty of $50-200$m with ${\cal{O}}(2000)$ sources. Given this precision we revisit all analysis assumptions and identify sources of systematic errors, quantify their impact on radius extraction, and discuss their relative importance and ways to mitigate them.