Frequency-domain P-approximant filters for time-truncated inspiral gravitational wave signals from compact binaries

TL;DR

This paper introduces frequency-domain P-approximant filters for gravitational wave signals from inspiralling binaries, combining accuracy, efficiency, and analytic convenience to improve detection and parameter estimation for LIGO/VIRGO.

Contribution

The paper develops SPP-approximants that effectively model time-truncated signals in the frequency domain, enhancing computational speed and accuracy over previous methods.

Findings

Effectual for detection of inspiral signals.

Faithful for parameter estimation.

Up to 10 times faster than time-domain templates.

Abstract

Frequency-domain filters for time-windowed gravitational waves from inspiralling compact binaries are constructed which combine the excellent performance of our previously developed time-domain P-approximants with the analytic convenience of the stationary phase approximation without a serious loss in event rate. These Fourier-domain representations incorporate the ``edge oscillations'' due to the (assumed) abrupt shut-off of the time-domain signal caused by the relativistic plunge at the last stable orbit. These new analytic approximations, the SPP-approximants, are not only `effectual' for detection and `faithful' for parameter estimation, but are also computationally inexpensive to generate (and are `faster' by factors up to 10, as compared to the corresponding time-domain templates). The SPP approximants should provide data analysts the Fourier-domain templates for massive black hole binaries of total mass m less than about 40 solar mases, the most likely sources for LIGO and VIRGO.