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A comparison of estimators for the two-point correlation function

Martin Kerscher·Istvan Szapudi·Alex Szalay
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Abstract

Nine of the most important estimators known for the two-point correlation function are compared using a predetermined, rigorous criterion. The indicators were extracted from over 500 subsamples of the Virgo Hubble Volume simulation cluster catalog. The ``real'' correlation function was determined from the full survey in a 3000Mpc/h periodic cube. The estimators were ranked by the cumulative probability of returning a value within a certain tolerance of the real correlation function. This criterion takes into account bias and variance, and it is independent of the possibly non-Gaussian nature of the error statistics. As a result for astrophysical applications a clear recommendation has emerged: the Landy & Szalay (1993) estimator, in its original or grid version Szapudi & Szalay (1998), are preferred in comparison to the other indicators examined, with a performance almost indistinguishable from the Hamilton (1993) estimator.

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Martin Kerscher, Istvan Szapudi, Alex Szalay. 2000-04-07. A comparison of estimators for the two-point correlation function. https://doi.org/10.1086/312702

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