Compact binary astrophysics

Mills, Joseph Cameron ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0808-7804 2021. Compact binary astrophysics. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This thesis brings together several projects in compact binary astrophysics that intersect at two main loci. The first being calculations of the science that is possible with future gravitational-wave detectors. On this front, chapter 2 provides localization estimates for a variety of future gravitational-wave network configurations, to inform the science case and observing strategies for future gravitational and electromagnetic detectors. In chapter 3 we predict the constraints that future observations will make on the inclination of the orbital plane of compact binaries. Finally, chapter 7 explores the observability and parameter estimation of seed black holes with future gravitational-wave networks. The second focus of this thesis is determining what is measurable in a gravitational-wave signal emitted in a binary coalescence. In chapter 3, we describe in detail degeneracies in the amplitude of the dominant emission of the two gravitational-wave polarizations, which limits our ability to measure their luminosity distance. Chapter 4 describes how higher harmonics in the waveform can break these degeneracies and introduces a simple criterion for their observation. Using this criterion, and a related one for precession, in chapters 5 and 6 we explore the evidence for higher harmonics and precessions in the signals detected in the first half of LIGO-Virgo's third observing run.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Physics and Astronomy
Subjects:	Q Science > QB Astronomy Q Science > QC Physics
Uncontrolled Keywords:	compact binary, binary black holes, binary neutron stars, gravitational waves, astronomy, astrophysics, detection, parameter estimation, higher harmonics, localization, inclination, degeneracy, seed black holes, third observing run, LIGO, Virgo, Kagra, India, third generation gravitational-wave detectors, cosmic explorer, einstein telescope, gravitational-wave networks, precession.
Funders:	European Research Council
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	11 August 2021
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2022 02:44
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/143308

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