Abstract
The detection of gravitational waves from inspiraling compact binaries using matched filtering depends crucially on the availability of accurate template waveforms. We determine whether the accuracy of the templates’ phasing can be improved by solving the post-Newtonian energy balance equation numerically, rather than (as is normally done) analytically within the post-Newtonian perturbative expansion. By specializing to the limit of a small mass ratio, we find evidence that there is no gain in accuracy.
- Received 20 December 1999
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.61.104015
©2000 American Physical Society