Gravelamps: gravitational wave lensing mass profile model selection

Wright, M. and Hendry, M. (2022) Gravelamps: gravitational wave lensing mass profile model selection. Astrophysical Journal, 935(2), 68. (doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ac7ec2)

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Abstract

We present the package Gravelamps, which is designed to analyze gravitationally lensed gravitational wave signals in order to constrain the mass density profile of the lensing object. Gravelamps does this via parameter estimation using the framework of bilby, which enables estimation of both the lens and the source parameters. The package can be used to study both microlensing and macrolensing cases, where the lensing mass distribution is described by a point-mass and extended-mass density profile, respectively. It allows the user to easily and freely switch between a full wave optics and approximate geometric optics description. The performance of Gravelamps is demonstrated via simulated analysis of both microlensing and macrolensing events, illustrating its capability for both parameter estimation and model selection in the wave optics and hybrid environments. To further demonstrate the utility of the package, the real gravitational-wave event GW170809 was analyzed using Gravelamps; this event was found to yield no strong evidence supporting the lensing hypothesis, consistent with previously published results.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wright, Mr Michael and Hendry, Professor Martin
Authors: Wright, M., and Hendry, M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Research Centre:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy > Institute for Gravitational Research
Journal Name:Astrophysical Journal
Publisher:IOP Publishing
ISSN:0004-637X
ISSN (Online):1538-4357
Published Online:17 August 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Authors
First Published:First published in Astrophysical Journal 935(2): 68
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
169451Investigations in Gravitational RadiationSheila RowanScience and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)ST/L000946/1P&S - Physics & Astronomy