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Prototype global analysis of LISA data with multiple source types

Tyson B. Littenberg and Neil J. Cornish
Phys. Rev. D 107, 063004 – Published 7 March 2023
Physics logo See synopsis: Analyzing the Gravitational-Wave Sky

Abstract

The novel data analysis challenges posed by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) arise from the overwhelmingly large number of astrophysical sources in the measurement band and the density with which they are found in the data. Robust detection and characterization of the numerous gravitational wave sources in LISA data can not be done sequentially, but rather through a simultaneous global fit of a data model containing the full suite of astrophysical and instrumental features present in the data. While previous analyses have focused on individual source types in isolation, here we present the first demonstration of a LISA global fit analysis containing combined astrophysical populations. The prototype pipeline uses a blocked Metropolis Hastings algorithm to alternatingly fit to a population of ultracompact galactic binaries, known “verification binaries” already identified by electromagnetic observations, a population of massive black hole mergers, and an instrument noise model. The global LISA analysis software suite (GLASS) is assembled from independently developed samplers for the different model components. The modular design enables flexibility to future development by defining standard interfaces for adding new, or updating additional, components to the global fit without being overly prescriptive for how those modules must be internally designed. The GLASS pipeline is demonstrated on data simulated for the LISA Data Challenge 2b. Results of the analysis and a road-map for continued development are described in detail.

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  • Received 11 January 2023
  • Accepted 27 January 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.107.063004

© 2023 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

  1. Research Areas
Gravitation, Cosmology & Astrophysics

synopsis

Key Image

Analyzing the Gravitational-Wave Sky

Published 7 March 2023

A space-based observatory will detect gravitational waves from so many different types of sources at once that a global approach will be needed to crunch the data.

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Authors & Affiliations

Tyson B. Littenberg

  • NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama 35811, USA

Neil J. Cornish

  • eXtreme Gravity Institute, Department of Physics, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59717, USA

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Issue

Vol. 107, Iss. 6 — 15 March 2023

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