4987067
Bayesian inference on EMRI signals using low frequency approximations
Extrememassratioinspirals(EMRIs)arethoughttobeoneofthemostexciting gravitational wave sources to be detected with LISA. Due to their complicated nature and weak amplitudes the detection and parameter estimation of such sources is a challenging task. In this paper we present a statistical methodology basedonBayesianinferenceinwhichtheestimationofparametersiscarriedout by advanced Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms such as parallel tempering MCMC. We analysed high and medium mass EMRI systems that fall well inside the low frequency range of LISA. In the context of the Mock LISA Data Challenges, our investigation and results are also the first instance in which a fully Markovian algorithm is applied for EMRI searches. Results showthatouralgorithmworkedwellinrecoveringEMRIsignalsfromdifferent (simulated) LISA data sets having single and multiple EMRI sources and holds great promise for posterior computation under more realistic conditions. The search and estimation methods presented in this paper are general in their nature, and can be applied in any other scenario such as AdLIGO, AdVIRGO and Einstein Telescope with their respective response functions.
2702261
LISA source confusion: identification and characterization of signals
The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is expected to detect gravitational radiation from a large number of compact binary systems. We present a method by which these signals can be identified and have their parameters estimated. Our approach uses Bayesian inference, specifically the application of a Markov chain Monte Carlo method. The simulation study that we present here considers a large number of sinusoidal signals in noise, and our method estimates the number of periodic signals present in the data, the parameters for these signals and the noise level. The method is significantly better than classical spectral techniques at performing these tasks and does not use stopping criteria for estimating the number of signals present.
43905547
Veto studies for LIGO inspiral triggers
LIGO recently conducted its third scientific data run, S3. Here, we summarize the veto and data quality studies conducted by the LIGO Scientific Collaboration in connection with the search for binary inspiral signals in the S3 data. The veto results presented here come from studies on the S3 playground data. LIGO's interferometer channels and physical environmental monitors were monitored, and events in these channels coincident with inspiral triggers were examined.
15022161
A first comparison of search methods for gravitational wave bursts using LIGO and Virgo simulated data
We present a comparative study of six search methods for gravitational wave bursts using simulated LIGO and Virgo noise data. The simulated data were generated according to the design sensitivity of the two 4 km LIGO interferometers and the 3 km Virgo interferometer. The searches were applied on replicas of the data sets to which eight different signals were injected. Three figures of merit were employed in this analysis: (a) receiver operator characteristic curves, (b) necessary signal-to-noise ratios for the searches to achieve 50% and 90% efficiencies and (c) variance and bias for the estimation of the arrival time of a gravitational wave burst.
13085972
Using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for estimating parameters with gravitational radiation data
We present a Bayesian approach to the problem of determining parameters for coalescing binary systems observed with laser interferometric detectors. By applying a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm, specifically the Gibbs sampler, we demonstrate the potential that MCMC techniques may hold for the computation of posterior distributions of parameters of the binary system that created the gravity radiation signal. We describe the use of the Gibbs sampler method, and present examples whereby signals are detected and analyzed from within noisy data.
122598875
RESULTS FROM LIGO OBSERVATIONS: STOCHASTIC BACKGROUND AND CONTINUOUS WAVE SIGNALS
The search for gravitational radiation has entered a new era as the Laser Interferom-eter Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) has reached its initial target sensitivity. Other similar interferometric detectors are also approaching their design goals. There is presently vigorous activity in the gravitational radiation community in the search for signals. Here we review the status of the LIGO search for a stochastic background, and continuous wave signals.
15713888
FeynRules 2.0 - A complete toolbox for tree-level phenomenology
FeynRules is a Mathematica-based package which addresses the implementation of particle physics models, which are given in the form of a list of fields, parameters and a Lagrangian, into high-energy physics tools. It calculates the underlying Feynman rules and outputs them to a form appropriate for various programs such as CalcHep, FeynArts, MadGraph, Sherpa and Whizard. Since the original version, many new features have been added: support for two-component fermions, spin-3/2 and spin-2 fields, superspace notation and calculations, automatic mass diagonalization, completely general FeynArts output, a new universal FeynRules output interface, a new Whizard interface, automatic 1 → 2 decay width calculation, improved speed and efficiency, new guidelines for v and a new web-based validation package. With this feature set, FeynRules enables models to go from theory to simulation and comparison with experiment quickly, efficiently and accurately.
119223957
Introducing an interface between WHIZARD and FeynRules
While Monte Carlo event generators like WHIZARD have become indispensable tools in studying the impact of new physics on collider observables over the last decades, the implementation of new models in such packages has remained a rather awkward and error-prone process. Recently, the FeynRules package was introduced which greatly simplifies this process by providing a single unified model format from which model implementations for many different Monte Carlo codes can be derived automatically. In this note, we present an interface which extends FeynRules to provide this functionality also for the WHIZARD package, thus making WHIZARD's strengths and performance easily available to model builders.
206997636
CalcHEP 3.4 for collider physics within and beyond the Standard Model
We present version 3.4 of the CalcHEP software package which is designed for effective evaluation and simulation of high energy physics collider processes at parton level. The main features of CalcHEP are the computation of Feynman diagrams, integration over multi-particle phase space and event simulation at parton level. The principle attractive key-points along these lines are that it has: (a) an easy startup and usage even for those who are not familiar with CalcHEP and programming; (b) a friendly and convenient graphical user interface (GUI); (c) the option for the user to easily modify a model or introduce a new model by either using the graphical interface or by using an external package with the possibility of cross checking the results in different gauges; (d) a batch interface which allows to perform very complicated and tedious calculations connecting production and decay modes for processes with many particles in the final state. With this features set, CalcHEP can efficiently perform calculations with a high level of automation from a theory in the form of a Lagrangian down to phenomenology in the form of cross sections, parton level event simulation and various kinematical distributions. In this paper we report on the new features of CalcHEP 3.4 which improves the power of our package to be an effective tool for the study of modern collider phenomenology
119517996
Extended technicolor models with two ETC groups
We construct extended technicolor (ETC) models that can produce the large splitting between the masses of the $t$ and $b$ quarks without necessarily excessive contributions to the $\rho$ parameter or to neutral flavor-changing processes. These models make use of two different ETC gauge groups, such that left- and right-handed components of charge $Q=2/3$ quarks transform under the same ETC group, while left- and right-handed components of charge -1/3 quarks and charged leptons transform under different ETC groups. The models thereby suppress the masses $m_b$ and $m_\tau$ relative to $m_t$, and $m_s$ and $m_\mu$ relative to $m_c$ because the masses of the $Q=-1/3$ quarks and charged leptons require mixing between the two ETC groups, while the masses of the $Q=2/3$ quarks do not. A related source of the differences between these mass splittings is the effect of the two hierarchies of breaking scales of the two ETC groups. We analyze a particular model of this type in some detail. Although we find that this model tends to suppress the masses of the first two generations of down-type quarks and charged leptons too much, it gives useful insights into the properties of theories with more than one ETC group.
12180176
FeynRules - Feynman rules made easy
In this paper we present FeynRules, a new Mathematica package that facilitates the implementation of new particle physics models. After the user implements the basic model information (e.g. particle content, parameters and Lagrangian), FeynRules derives the Feynman rules and stores them in a generic form suitable for translation to any Feynman diagram calculation program. The model can then be translated to the format specific to a particular Feynman diagram calculator via FeynRules translation interfaces. Such interfaces have been written for CalcHEP/CompHEP, FeynArts/FormCalc, MadGraph/MadEvent and Sherpa, making it possible to write a new model once and have it work in all of these programs. In this paper, we describe how to implement a new model, generate the Feynman rules, use a generic translation interface, and write a new translation interface. We also discuss the details of the FeynRules code. Comment: 63 pages, 3 figures, 17 tables, elsart