Efficient reanalysis of events from GWTC-3 with RIFT and asimov

TL;DR

This paper introduces an efficient framework using RIFT and asimov for large-scale, reproducible reanalysis of gravitational wave events from GWTC-3, highlighting how different waveform models impact event interpretation.

Contribution

It presents a new, efficient reanalysis methodology that enables consistent, large-scale reassessment of GW events with multiple waveform models, improving reproducibility and interpretability.

Findings

Models largely agree on most events

Some events show substantial model disagreement

Framework facilitates public access and large-scale reanalysis

Abstract

Different waveform models can yield notably different conclusions about the properties of individual gravitational wave events. For instance, previous analyses using the SEOBNRv4PHM, IMRPhenomXPHM models, and NRSur7dq4 have led to varying results regarding event properties. This variability complicates the interpretation of the data and understanding of the astrophysical phenomena involved. There is an ongoing need to reassess candidate events with the best available interpretations and models. Current approaches lack efficiency or consistency, making it challenging to perform large-scale reanalyses with updated models or improved techniques. It is imperative that investigations into waveform systematics be reproducible. Frameworks like asimov can facilitate large-scale reanalyses with consistent settings and high-quality results, and can reliably show how different waveform models affect the interpretation of gravitational wave events. This, in combination with other provided tools, allow for reanalysis of several events from the GWTC-3 catalog. We include access to full analysis settings that facilitate public use of GWOSC data on the Open Science Grid, particularly those conducted with the IMRPhenomPv2, SEOBNRv4PHM, SEOBNRv5PHM, and NRSur7dq4 waveform models. Our parameter inference results find similar conclusions to previously published work: for several events, all models largely agree, but for a few exceptional events these models disagree substantially on the nature of the merging binary.