PhenomXPNR: An improved gravitational wave model linking precessing inspirals and NR-calibrated merger-ringdown

TL;DR

PhenomXPNR is a new frequency-domain gravitational wave model that accurately links precessing inspirals with NR-calibrated merger and ringdown, reducing bias and enhancing computational efficiency for gravitational-wave data analysis.

Contribution

It introduces the most precise precessing binary-black-hole model combining post-Newtonian and numerical relativity data in the frequency domain.

Findings

PhenomXPNR reduces parameter estimation bias in certain precessing systems.

It is the most accurate and complete frequency-domain model for precessing binaries to date.

The model is computationally efficient, suitable for large-scale gravitational-wave data analysis.

Abstract

We present the frequency-domain quasi-circular precessing binary-black-hole model PhenomXPNR. This model combines the most precise available post-Newtonian description of the evolution of the precession dynamics through inspiral with merger-ringdown model informed by numerical relativity. This, along with a phenomenological model of the dominant multipole asymmetries, results in the most accurate and complete representation of the physics of precessing binaries natively in the frequency-domain to date. All state-of-the-art precessing models show bias when inferring binary parameters in certain regions of the parameter space. We demonstrate that the developments presented ensure that for some precessing systems PhenomXPNR shows the least degree of bias. Further, as a phenomenological, frequency-domain model, PhenomXPNR remains one of the most computationally efficient models available and is therefore well-suited to the era of gravitational-wave astronomy with its ever growing rate of detected signals.