A new code for parameter estimation in searches for gravitational waves from known pulsars

Pitkin, M. , Gill, C., Veitch, J. , Macdonald, E. and Woan, G. (2012) A new code for parameter estimation in searches for gravitational waves from known pulsars. In: 9th Edoardo Amaldi Conference on Gravitational Waves, Cardiff, UK, 10-15 Jul 2011, 012041. (doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/363/1/012041)

Abstract

We describe the consistency testing of a new code for gravitational wave signal parameter estimation in known pulsar searches. The code uses an implementation of nested sampling to explore the likelihood volume. Using fake signals and simulated noise we compare this to a previous code that calculated the signal parameter posterior distributions on both a grid and using a crude Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. We define a new parameterisation of two orientation angles of neutron stars used in the signal model (the initial phase and polarisation angle), which breaks a degeneracy between them and allows more efficient exploration of those parameters. Finally, we briefly describe potential areas for further study and the uses of this code in the future.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gill, Mr Colin and Veitch, Dr John and Woan, Professor Graham and Pitkin, Dr Matthew
• Authors: Pitkin, M., Gill, C., Veitch, J., Macdonald, E., and Woan, G.
• Subjects: Q Science > QB Astronomy
• 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: Journal of Physics Conference Series
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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