Inferring the spin distribution of binary black holes using deep learning

TL;DR

This paper introduces a deep learning method to efficiently infer the spin distribution of binary black holes from gravitational wave data, providing new insights into black hole evolution with faster analysis compared to traditional Bayesian techniques.

Contribution

It develops a novel deep neural network approach trained on simulated data, enabling rapid and adaptable inference of black hole spin distributions from gravitational wave observations.

Findings

Estimated spin distribution parameters: alpha=1.3, beta=1.70 for large BHs

Estimated parameters: alpha=1.37, beta=1.63 for smaller BHs

Both black holes in mergers likely have non-zero spins

Abstract

The spin characteristics of black holes offer valuable insights into the evolutionary pathways of their progenitor stars, crucial for understanding the broader population properties of black holes. Traditional Hierarchical Bayesian inference techniques employed to discern these properties often entail substantial time investments, and consensus regarding the spin distribution of Binary Black Hole (BBH) systems remains elusive. In this study, leveraging observations from GWTC-3, we adopt a machine learning approach to infer the spin distribution of black holes within BBH systems. Specifically, we develop a Deep Neural Network (DNN) and train it using data generated from a Beta distribution. Our training strategy, involving the segregation of data into 10 bins, not only expedites model training but also enhances the DNN's versatility and adaptability to accommodate the burgeoning volume of gravitational wave observations. Utilizing Monte Carlo-bootstrap (MC-bootstrap) to generate observation-simulated samples, we derive spin distribution parameters: $\alpha=1.3^{+0.25}_{-0.18},\beta=1.70^{+0.24}_{-0.29}$ for the larger BH sample and $\alpha=1.37^{+0.31}_{-0.20},\beta=1.63^{+0.30}_{-0.20}$ for the smaller BH sample. Within our constraints, the distributions of component spin magnitudes suggest the likelihood of both black holes in the BBH merger possessing non-zero spin.