Abstract
This paper presents updated estimates of source parameters for GW150914, a binary black-hole coalescence event detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015 [Abbott et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 061102 (2016).]. Abbott et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 241102 (2016).] presented parameter estimation of the source using a 13-dimensional, phenomenological precessing-spin model (precessing IMRPhenom) and an 11-dimensional nonprecessing effective-one body (EOB) model calibrated to numerical-relativity simulations, which forces spin alignment (nonprecessing EOBNR). Here, we present new results that include a 15-dimensional precessing-spin waveform model (precessing EOBNR) developed within the EOB formalism. We find good agreement with the parameters estimated previously [Abbott et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 241102 (2016).], and we quote updated component masses of 35+5-3M⊙ and 30+3-4 M⊙ (where errors correspond to 90% symmetric credible intervals). We also present slightly tighter constraints on the dimensionless spin magnitudes of the two black holes, with a primary spin estimate < 0.65 and a secondary spin estimate < 0.75 at 90% probability. Abbott et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 241102 (2016).] estimated the systematic parameter-extraction errors due to waveform-model uncertainty by combining the posterior probability densities of precessing IMRPhenom and nonprecessing EOBNR. Here, we find that the two precessing-spin models are in closer agreement, suggesting that these systematic errors are smaller than previously quoted.
Recommended Citation
B. P. Abbott et al., "Improved Analysis of GW150914 Using a Fully Spin-Precessing Waveform Model," Physical Review X, vol. 6, no. 4, American Physical Society (APS), Oct 2016.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevX.6.041014
Department(s)
Physics
Keywords and Phrases
Aluminum; Errors; Gravitation; Gravity waves; Interferometers; Laser interferometry; Parameter estimation; Parameter extraction; Stars; Systematic errors; Waveform analysis; Credible interval; Laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatories; Numerical relativity; Parameters estimated; Posterior probability; Source parameters; Spin alignment; Waveform modeling; Uncertainty analysis
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
2160-3308
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2016 American Physical Society (APS), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Oct 2016
