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arXiv · 1911.07998

Memory Effect or Cosmic String? Classifying Gravitational-Wave Bursts with Bayesian Inference

Atul K. Divakarla·Eric Thrane·Paul D. Lasky·Bernard F. Whiting
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Abstract

A variety of gravitational-wave transient sources can be modeled in the Fourier domain using a power law. This simple power-law model provides a reasonable approximation for gravitational-wave bursts from cosmic string cusps, cosmic string kinks, and the memory effect. Each of these sources is described using a different spectral index. In this work, we simulate interferometer strain data with injections of power-law and memory bursts to demonstrate parameter estimation, signal detection, and model selection. We show how Bayesian inference can be used to measure the power-law spectral index, thereby distinguishing between different astrophysical scenarios.

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Atul K. Divakarla, Eric Thrane, Paul D. Lasky, Bernard F. Whiting. 2019-11-18. Memory Effect or Cosmic String? Classifying Gravitational-Wave Bursts with Bayesian Inference. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.102.023010

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