Machine learning for nanohertz gravitational wave detection and parameter estimation with pulsar timing array

AbstractThe number of known millisecond pulsars has dramatically increased in the last few years. Regular observations of these pulsars may allow gravitational waves with frequencies ∼10−9 Hz to be detected. A ‘pulsar timing array’ is therefore complimentary to other searches for gravitational waves using ground-based or space-based interferometers that are sensitive to much higher frequencies. In this review we describe (1) the basic methods for using an array of pulsars as a gravitational wave detector, (2) the sources of the potentially detectable waves, (3) current limits on individual sources and a stochastic background, and (4) the new project recently started using the Parkes radio telescope.

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Gravitational-Wave Detection Using Pulsars: Status of the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array Project

Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia ◽

10.1071/as08023 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 103-109 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

G. B. Hobbs ◽

M. Bailes ◽

N. D. R. Bhat ◽

S. Burke-Spolaor ◽

D. J. Champion ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gravitational Wave ◽

Gravitational Waves ◽

Direct Detection ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Current Status ◽

Binary Black Holes ◽

Gravitational Wave Detection ◽

Wave Detection ◽

Pulsar Timing ◽

Pulsar Timing Array

AbstractThe first direct detection of gravitational waves may be made through observations of pulsars. The principal aim of pulsar timing-array projects being carried out worldwide is to detect ultra-low frequency gravitational waves (f ∼ 10−9–10−8 Hz). Such waves are expected to be caused by coalescing supermassive binary black holes in the cores of merged galaxies. It is also possible that a detectable signal could have been produced in the inflationary era or by cosmic strings. In this paper, we review the current status of the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array project (the only such project in the Southern hemisphere) and compare the pulsar timing technique with other forms of gravitational-wave detection such as ground- and space-based interferometer systems.

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Pulsar Timing Arrays

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union ◽

10.1017/s1743921316005457 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 11 (A29B) ◽

pp. 321-328

Author(s):

Maura McLaughlin

Keyword(s):

Gravitational Wave ◽

High Precision ◽

Source Characterization ◽

Gravitational Wave Detection ◽

Wave Detection ◽

Pulsar Timing ◽

Noise Characterization ◽

Pulsar Timing Array ◽

Future Growth ◽

Broad Overview

AbstractI describe the concept of a pulsar timing array and give broad overview of the construction of a pulsar timing array, methods for high-precision timing and noise characterization, and algorithms for gravitational wave detection and source characterization. I then provide an overview of worldwide pulsar timing programs and the scale and sensitivity of the pulsar timing array efforts, with particular attention to the International Pulsar Timing Array (IPTA). I discuss the most recent results from pulsar timing arrays, emphasizing the gravitational wave detection efforts in particular. Finally, I describe the anticipated future growth in participants, telescopes, pulsars, and sensitivity of the IPTA, highlighting the transformational advances that it will enable over the next decade.

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