ler : LVK (LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration) event (compact-binary mergers) rate calculator and simulator

TL;DR

'ler' is a Python package that efficiently simulates and computes detection rates of gravitational wave events, including lensing effects, aiding astrophysical research and detector forecasting.

Contribution

It introduces a modular, optimized tool for generating and analyzing lensed and unlensed GW events with high computational efficiency.

Findings

Provides accurate distributions of GW event parameters

Supports simulation of both lensed and unlensed events

Enhances detection forecasting for GW observatories

Abstract

'$ler$' is a statistics-based Python package specifically designed for computing detectable rates of both lensed and unlensed GW events, catering to the requirements of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Scientific Collaboration and astrophysics research scholars. The core functionality of '$ler$' intricately hinges upon the interplay of various components which include sampling the properties of compact-binary sources, lens galaxies characteristics, solving lens equations to derive properties of resultant images, and computing detectable GW rates. This comprehensive functionality builds on the leveraging of array operations and linear algebra from the $numpy$ library, enhanced by interpolation methods from $scipy$ and Python's $multiprocessing$ capabilities. Efficiency is further boosted by the $numba$ library's Just-In-Time ($njit$) compilation, optimizing extensive numerical computations and employing the inverse transform sampling method to replace more cumbersome rejection sampling. The modular design of '$ler$' not only optimizes speed and functionality but also ensures adaptability and upgradability, supporting the integration of additional statistics as research evolves. Currently, '$ler$' is an important tool in generating simulated GW events, both lensed and unlensed, and provides astrophysically accurate distributions of event-related parameters for both detectable and non-detectable events. This functionality aids in event validation and enhances the forecasting of detection capabilities across various GW detectors to study such events. The architecture of the '$ler$' API facilitates seamless compatibility with other software packages, allowing researchers to integrate and utilize its functionalities based on specific scientific requirements.