LISA Response Function and Parameter Estimation

TL;DR

This paper examines the LISA response function's accuracy at high frequencies, revealing that common approximations become unreliable above a few millihertz, affecting parameter estimation and signal detection.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of the LISA transfer function's limitations and highlights the importance of accurate modeling for high-frequency gravitational wave signals.

Findings

Approximation becomes inaccurate above a few mHz

Transfer function causes amplitude and phase modulations

Inaccurate modeling can reduce signal-to-noise ratio

Abstract

We investigate the response function of LISA and consider the adequacy of its commonly used approximation in the high-frequency range of the observational band. We concentrate on monochromatic binary systems, such as white dwarf binaries. We find that above a few mHz the approxmation starts becoming increasingly inaccurate. The transfer function introduces additional amplitude and phase modulations in the measured signal that influence parameter estmation and, if not properly accounted for, lead to losses of signal-to-noise ratio.