Assigning Confidence to Inspiral Gravitational Wave Candidates With Bayesian Model Selection

Veitch, J. and Vecchio, A. (2008) Assigning Confidence to Inspiral Gravitational Wave Candidates With Bayesian Model Selection. In: 12th Gravitational Wave Data Analysis Workshop (GWDAW 12), Cambridge, MA, USA, 13-16 Dec 2007, p. 184010. (doi: 10.1088/0264-9381/25/18/184010)

Abstract

Bayesian model selection provides a powerful and mathematically transparent framework to tackle hypothesis testing, such as detection tests of gravitational waves emitted during the coalescence of binary systems using ground-based laser interferometers. Although its implementation is computationally intensive, we have developed an efficient probabilistic algorithm based on a technique known as nested sampling that makes Bayesian model selection applicable to follow-up studies of candidate signals produced by on-going searches of inspiralling compact binaries. We discuss the performance of this approach, in terms of 'false alarm rate' and 'detection probability' of restricted second post-Newtonian inspiral waveforms from non-spinning compact objects in binary systems. The results confirm that this approach is a viable tool for detection tests in current searches for gravitational wave signals.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Veitch, Dr John
• Authors: Veitch, J., and Vecchio, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• ISSN: 0264-9381
• Published Online: 02 September 2008