Vivien Raymond
Northwestern University
Gravitational waves are on the verge of opening a brand new window on the universe. However, gravitational wave astronomy comes with very unique challenges in data analysis and signal processing. LIGO/Virgo will soon enter their advanced phases and, among the anticipated detections, compact binary coalescences are of special interest because this type of events is one of the most promising for extracting astrophysical parameters of source systems. I will discuss some of the challenges of gravitational wave astrophysics, focusing on those sources.
In particular, I will present a method using the Bayesian statistical framework and the Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm for parameter estimation and model selection applied to spinning compact binary coalescences. With this method spinning parameters can be estimated, and furthermore we find that they need to be included in our model waveforms to avoid very significant biases in overall parameter estimation.
May Kim
Northwestern University
I will discuss how an ensemble of atoms can be used as an effective two level system using the Dicke model and the light shift imbalance induced blockade method.
Wednesday, February 8th at Noon
Room F235, Technological Institute
