Cardiff University | Prifysgol Caerdydd ORCA
Online Research @ Cardiff 
WelshClear Cookie - decide language by browser settings

Mapping the star formation peak with LIGO A# and Next-Generation detectors

Divyajyoti, Divyajyoti ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2787-1012, Fairhurst, Stephen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8480-1961, Hannam, Mark ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5571-325X and Singh, Mukesh 2026. Mapping the star formation peak with LIGO A# and Next-Generation detectors. Cornell University. 10.48550/arXiv.2606.05151

[thumbnail of 2606.05151v1.pdf]
Preview
PDF - Submitted Pre-Print Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

Measuring the redshift evolution of star formation rate density is crucial in understanding the origin and evolution of galaxies and large scale structure in the universe. It is currently measured with electromagnetic probes, however, these probes often track luminosity, which is then converted to star formation rate (SFR) depending on various factors such as initial mass function, dust extinction, etc. Gravitational waves provide an independent method to constrain SFR at high redshifts by tracking the redshift evolution obtained from analysis of binary black hole mergers. In this study we explore three population models for star-formation combined with an inverse time-delay model and demonstrate that it is possible to obtain bounds on the peak of redshift distribution with a network of upgraded LIGO detectors (such as LIGO-A#). For a year of observation, using simulated signals with a merger rate peak at z_peak = 1.5, a network of LIGO detectors at A# sensitivity is able to constrain the peak of merger rate with a precision of ±0.1. Further, we obtain the results with a next-generation network (of Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope) and conclude that the redshift distribution will be extremely well measured, with a precision of ±0.02, with future detectors.

Item Type: Working paper
Date Type: Published Online
Status: Submitted
Schools: Schools > Physics and Astronomy
Subjects: Q Science > QB Astronomy
Q Science > QC Physics
Publisher: Cornell University
Last Modified: 07 Aug 2026 22:37
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187415

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item Edit Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics