The Ins and Outs of Inspiral Searches

Abstract:

A binary system of two neutron stars or black holes in a close orbit is a perfect gravitational wave emitter. As energy and angular momentum are carried away, the bodies orbit more closely in an accelerating "inspiral". The frequency and amplitude of the emitted waves rise with a distinctive "chirp" signature that can be teased out of the detector noise with excellent sensitivity. However, real detector noise, mathematical filtering issues, computational efficiency considerations, and issues of astrophysical interpretation all combine to complicate actual searches for inspiral signals. I will describe a number of the most important issues and how they are being overcome.