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Francesco Di Renzo

Publications and source records attributed to Francesco Di Renzo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Automatic classification pipeline for glitches in the Virgo detector

Glitches frequently contaminate data in gravitational-wave detectors, complicating the observation and analysis of astrophysical signals. This work introduces VIGILant, an automatic pipeline for classification and visualization of glitches in the Virgo detector. Using a curated dataset of Virgo O3b glitches, two machine learning approaches are evaluated: tree-based models (Decision Tree, Random Forest and XGBoost) using structured Omicron parameters, and Convolutional Neural Networks (ResNet) trained on spectrogram images. While tree-based models offer higher interpretability and fast training, the ResNet34 model achieved superior performance, reaching a F1 score of 0.9772 and accuracy of 0.9833 in the testing set, with inference times of tens of milliseconds per glitch. The pipeline has been deployed for daily operation at the Virgo site since observing run O4c, providing the Virgo collaboration with an interactive dashboard to monitor glitch populations and detector behavior. This allows to identify low-confidence predictions, highlighting glitches requiring further attention.

gr-qc↗

Rapid data quality investigations of gravitational-wave events with the Data Quality Report Builder toolkit

We present the Data Quality Report Builder toolkit, DQRbuild, a suite of data quality tools that have been developed to vet gravitational-wave events in preparation for the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run. We explain the main functionality and the many scientific tests that we support. To validate the performance of the tools included in the toolkit, we run a series of tests on all significant candidates shared as public alerts in the third observing run to compare against what was manually reported using human intervention. We find that these automated tools can now identify 96% of the problems identified by humans during this previous observing run, with a 24% false alarm rate. We conclude with a commentary on the prospects and potential challenges for fully automating the process of vetting the data quality for gravitational-wave events identified in future observing runs.

astro-ph.IM↗

A novel framework for spectral density reconstruction via quadrature-based Laplace inversion

In this work, we explore a numerical approach for performing the inverse Laplace transformation, with an emphasis on achieving stability and robustness under noisy conditions. Our quadrature-based method integrates reparameterization, data smoothing, and optimization techniques to regularizing ill-conditioned systems. Together, these elements enable consistency checks that enhance the reliability of the inversion process. Through a series of controlled tests on toy models, we demonstrate the stability and effectiveness of the method in the presence of noise. Using mock data, we approximate spectral densities from Euclidean correlators, generating smoothed and stable results that accurately reproduce the correlator behavior, particularly at large Euclidean times. We conclude by discussing prospects for applications to actual lattice QCD data.

hep-lat↗

Characterizing Low-Latency Sky Localization in Multi-Detector Gravitational-Wave Networks

Low-latency analyses of gravitational-wave (GW) data from LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA enable rapid detection of compact binary coalescences (CBC) and prompt sky localization, essential for electromagnetic follow-up in multi-messenger astronomy. We evaluate the performance and limitations of low-latency sky localization using BAYESTAR algorithm, and investigate the impact of low-significance Virgo triggers. We inject simulated CBC signals into Gaussian-stationary noise and into Virgo data from the second part of the third LIGO-Virgo observing run (O3b), then reconstruct skymaps across multiple detector network configurations. Localization accuracy is assessed using Percentile-Percentile plots, the Jaccard index, and the Kullback-Leibler divergence. Binary neutron star mergers are statistically consistent with ideal calibration, showing deviations below 3$σ$, particularly when Virgo is included in the network, whereas skymaps for neutron star--black hole and binary black hole mergers tend to be overconfident. Adding a third detector generally improves accuracy, but the searched area can degrade when Virgo's signal-to-noise ratio is low (SNR $\leq$ 5). For high-SNR events, relying on two detectors can mislocalize the source. Excluding Virgo can therefore cause the HL skymap to miss the true location when Virgo has strong antenna response, in such cases a three-detector configuration is required to recover the correct position and avoid misleading multi-messenger follow-up. We introduce diagnostics to flag problematic skymaps and apply them to O3 public alerts, recovering simulation-predicted trends and flagging a few anomalous morphologies. The results are relevant for improving rapid vetting of GW alerts and guiding observational strategies in multi-messenger astronomy.

astro-ph.HE↗

Test for LISA foreground Gaussianity and stationarity: galactic white-dwarf binaries

Upcoming space-based gravitational-wave detectors will be sensitive to millions and resolve tens of thousands of stellar-mass binary systems at mHz frequencies. The vast majority of these will be double white dwarfs in our Galaxy. The greatest part will remain unresolved, forming an incoherent stochastic foreground signal. Using state-of-the-art Galactic models for the formation and evolution of binary white dwarfs and accurate LISA simulated signals, we introduce a test for foreground Gaussianity and stationarity, building on methods available for ground-based detectors. We explain the observed non-stationarity with a new analytical modulation induced by the LISA constellation motion and the intrinsic anisotropy of the source distribution. By demodulating the foreground signal, we reveal a deviation from Gaussianity in the 2-10 mHz frequency band. Our finding is crucial to design faithful data models: the proposed method serves as a diagnostic and estimation tool to flag and model deviations, respectively. Neglecting them would introduce systematic biases on individual sources and astrophysical foregrounds parameter estimation, ultimately leading to inaccurate interpretation of the LISA data.

astro-ph.HE↗

On analytic continuation from imaginary to real chemical potential in Lattice QCD

Imaginary baryon number chemical potential simulations are a popular workaround for the (in)famous sign problem plaguing finite density QCD studies on the lattice. One is necessarily left with the problem of analytically continuing results to real values of $μ_B$. In the framework of the Bielefeld Parma Collaboration, we have in recent years studied a multi-point Padé description of the net baryon number density computed as a function of imaginary baryon number chemical potential. While our main emphasis has till now been on the determination of Lee-Yang singularities, the method is per se a natural tool to analytically continue results. We report on the status of our projects with this respect, comparing the Padé approach to analytic continuation to another, new strategy, which is an application of the Cauchy integral formula in the sense of an inverse problem.

hep-lat↗

Taming NSPT fluctuations in $O(N)$ Non-Linear Sigma Model: simulations in the large $N$ regime

The Non-Linear Sigma Model (NLSM) is an example of a field theory on a target space exhibiting intricate geometry. One remarkable characteristic of the NLSM is asymptotic freedom, which triggers interest in perturbative calculations. In the lattice formulation of NLSM, one would naturally rely on Numerical Stochastic Perturbation Theory (NSPT) to conduct high-order computations. However, when dealing with low-dimensional systems, NSPT reveals increasing statistical fluctuations with higher and higher orders. This of course does not come as a surprise and one is ready to live with this, as long as the noise is not going to completely kill the signal, which unfortunately in some models does take place. We investigate how, in the $O(N)$ context, this behaviour strongly depends on $N$. As expected, larger $N$ values make higher-order computations feasible.

hep-lat↗

GWSkyNet II : a refined machine learning pipeline for real-time classification of public gravitational wave alerts

Electromagnetic follow-up observations of gravitational wave events offer critical insights and provide significant scientific gain from this new class of astrophysical transients. Accurate identification of gravitational wave candidates and rapid release of sky localization information are crucial for the success of these electromagnetic follow-up observations. However, searches for gravitational wave candidates in real time suffer a non-negligible false alarm rate. By leveraging the sky localization information and other metadata associated with gravitational wave candidates, GWSkyNet, a machine learning classifier developed by Cabero et al. (2020), demonstrated promising accuracy for the identification of the origin of event candidates. We improve the performance of the classifier for LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA's fourth observing run by reviewing and updating the architecture and features used as inputs by the algorithm. We also retrain and fine-tune the classifier with data from the third observing run. To improve the prospect of electromagnetic follow-up observations, we incorporate GWSkyNet into LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA's low-latency infrastructure as an automatic pipeline for the evaluation of gravitational wave alerts in real time. We test the readiness of the algorithm on a LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA mock data challenge campaign. The results show that by thresholding on the GWSkyNet score, noise masquerading as astrophysical sources can be rejected efficiently and the majority of true astrophysical signals correctly identified.

astro-ph.IM↗

Searching for the QCD critical endpoint using multi-point Padé approximations

Using the multi-point Padé approach, we locate Lee-Yang edge singularities of the QCD pressure in the complex baryon chemical potential plane. These singularities are extracted from singularities in the net baryon-number density calculated in $N_f=2+1$ lattice QCD at physical quark mass and purely imaginary chemical potential. Taking an appropriate scaling ansatz in the vicinity of the conjectured QCD critical endpoint, we extrapolate the singularities on $N_τ=6$ lattices to pure real baryon chemical potential to estimate the position of the critical endpoint (CEP). We find $T^{\rm CEP}=105^{+8}_{-18}$~ MeV and $μ_B^{\rm CEP} = 422^{+80}_{-35}$~ MeV, which compares well with recent estimates in the literature. For the slope of the transition line at the critical point we find $-0.16(24)$.

hep-lat↗

Exploring Lee-Yang and Fisher Zeros in the 2D Ising model through multipoint Padé approximants

We present a numerical calculation of the Lee-Yang and Fisher zeros of the 2D Ising model using multi-point Padé approximants. We perform simulations for the 2D Ising model with ferromagnetic couplings both in the absence and in the presence of a magnetic field using a cluster spin-flip algorithm. We show that it is possible to extract genuine signature of Lee Yang and Fisher zeros of the theory through the poles of magnetization and specific heat, using multi-point Padé method. We extract the poles of magnetization using Padé approximants and compare their scaling with known results. We verify the circle theorem associated to the well known behaviour of Lee Yang zeros. We present our finite volume scaling analysis of the zeros done at $T=T_c$ for a few lattice sizes, extracting to a good precision the (combination of) critical exponents $βδ$. The computation at the critical temperature is performed after the latter has been determined via the study of Fisher zeros, thus extracting both $β_c$ and the critical exponent $ν$. Results already exist for extracting the critical exponents for the Ising model in 2 and 3 dimensions making use of Fisher and Lee Yang zeros. In this work, multi-point Padé is shown to be competitive with this respect and thus a powerful tool to study phase transitions.

hep-lat↗

NSPT for $O(N)$ non-linear sigma model: the larger $N$ the better

The $O(N)$ non-linear sigma model (NLSM) is an example of field theory on a target space with nontrivial geometry. One interesting feature of NLSM is asymptotic freedom, which makes perturbative calculations interesting. Given the successes in Lattice Gauge Theories, Numerical Stochastic Perturbation Theory (NSPT) is a natural candidate for performing high-order computations also in the case of NLSM. However, in low-dimensional systems NSPT is known to display statistical fluctuations substantially increasing for increasing orders. In this work, we explore how for $O(N)$ NLSM this behaviour is strongly dependent on $N$. As largely expected on general grounds, the larger is $N$, the larger is the order at which a NSPT computation can be effectively performed.

hep-lat↗

Universal scaling and the asymptotic behaviour of Fourier coefficients of the baryon-number density in QCD

We discuss the scaling of the Yang-Lee singularity (YLs) and show how the universal scaling can be used to locate phase transitions in QCD. We describe two complementary methods to extract the location of the Yang-Lee singularity from lattice QCD data of the baryon-number density and higher order cumulants of the baryon number, obtained at imaginary chemical potential. The first method (multi-point Padé resummation) is used to determine the Roberge-Weiss phase transition temperature. Our continuum extrapolated result is $T_{RW}=211.1\pm3.1$ MeV. The second method is based on the asymptotic behaviour of the Fourier coefficients of the baryon-number density. We discuss the derivation of a fitting function and demonstrate that the procedure can successfully locate the YLs in the Quark Meson model.

hep-lat↗

Phase Transitions in Particle Physics -- Results and Perspectives from Lattice Quantum Chromo-Dynamics

Phase transitions in a non-perturbative regime can be studied by ab initio Lattice Field Theory methods. The status and future research directions for LFT investigations of Quantum Chromo-Dynamics under extreme conditions are reviewed, including properties of hadrons and of the hypothesized QCD axion as inferred from QCD topology in different phases. We discuss phase transitions in strong interactions in an extended parameter space, and the possibility of model building for Dark Matter and Electro-Weak Symmetry Breaking. Methodological challenges are addressed as well, including new developments in Artificial Intelligence geared towards the identification of different phases and transitions.

hep-lat↗

Determination of Lee-Yang edge singularities in QCD by rational approximations

We report updated results on the determination of Lee-Yang edge (LYE) singularities in $N_f = 2+1$ QCD using highly improved staggered quarks (HISQ) with physical masses on $N_τ= 4, 6, 8$ lattices. The singularity structure of QCD in the complex $μ_B$ plane is probed using conserved charges calculated at imaginary $μ_B$. The location of the singularities is determined by studying the (uncancelled) poles of multi-point Padé approximants. We show that close to the Roberge-Weiss (RW) transition, the location of the LYE singularities scales according to the $3$-$d$ $Z(2)$ universality class. By combining the new $N_τ= 6$ data with the $N_τ= 4$ data from our previous analysis we extract a rough estimate for the RW temperature in the continuum limit. We also discuss some preliminary results for the singularities close to the chiral phase transition obtained from simulations on $N_τ= 6, 8$ lattices.

hep-lat↗

Multi-point Padè for the study of phase transitions: from the Ising model to lattice QCD

The Bielefeld Parma collaboration has recently put forward a method to investigate the QCD phase diagram based on the computation of Taylor series coefficients at both zero and imaginary values of the baryonic chemical potential. The method is based on the computation of multi-point Padè approximants. We review the methodological aspects of the computation and, in order to gain confidence in the approach, we report on the application of the method to the two-dimensional Ising model (probably the most popular arena for testing tools in the study of phase transitions). Besides showing the effectiveness of the multi-point Padè approach, we discuss what these results can suggest in view of further progress in the study of the QCD phase diagram. We finally report on very preliminary results in which we look for Padè approximants at different temperatures and fixed values of the (imaginary) baryonic chemical potential.

hep-lat↗

Numerical Stochastic Perturbation Theory around instantons

Numerical Stochastic Perturbation Theory (NSPT) has over the years proved to be a valuable tool, in particular being able to reach unprecedented orders for Lattice Gauge Theories, whose perturbative expansions are notoriously cumbersome. One of the key features of the method is the possibility to expand around non-trivial vacua. While this idea has been around for a while, and it has been implemented in the case of the (non-trivial) background of the Schrödinger functional, NSPT expansions around instantons have not yet been fully worked out. Here we present computations for the double well potential in quantum mechanics. We compute a few orders of the expansion of the ground-state energy splitting in the one-instanton sector. We discuss how (already) known two-loop results are reproduced and present the current status of higher-order computations.

hep-lat↗

Detecting critical points from Lee-Yang edge singularities in lattice QCD

A new approach is presented to explore the singularity structure of lattice QCD in the complex chemical potential plane. Our method can be seen as a combination of the Taylor expansion and analytic continuation approaches. Its novelty lies in using rational (Padé) approximants for studying Lee-Yang edge singularities. We present a calculation of the cumulants of the net-baryon number as a function of a purely imaginary baryon number chemical potential, obtained with highly improved staggered quarks at temporal lattice extent of $N_τ=4,6$. We construct various rational function approximations of the lattice data and determine their poles (and roots) in the complex plane. We compare the position of the closest pole to the theoretically expected position of the Lee-Yang edge singularity. At high temperature, we find scaling that is in accordance with the expected power law behavior of the Roberge-Weiss transition while a different behavior is found for $T\lesssim 170$ MeV.

hep-lat↗

External environmental noise influences on Virgo during O3

Sources of geophysical noise, such as wind, sea waves and earthquakes, can have an impact on gravitational wave interferometers causing sensitivity worsening and gaps in data taking. During the 1-year long O3 run (April 1st 2019 to March 27th 2020), the Virgo Collaboration collected a statistically significant dataset to study the response of the detector to a variety of environmental conditions. We used these data to correlate environmental parameters to global detector performance, such as observation range, duty cycle and control losses. Where possible, we identified weaknesses in the detector and we elaborated strategies to improve Virgo robustness against external disturbances for the next run O4, planned to start in summer 2022. In this article we present preliminary results of this study.

gr-qc↗