Source localization with an advanced gravitational wave detector network

Stephen Fairhurst (1)

1 School of Physics and Astronomy [Cardiff]

We derive an expression for the accuracy with which sources can be localized using a network of gravitational wave detectors. The result is obtained via triangulation, using timing accuracies at each detector and is applicable to a network with any number of detectors. We use this result to investigate the ability of advanced gravitational wave detector networks to accurately localize signals from compact binary coalescences. We demonstrate that additional detectors can significantly improve localization results and illustrate our findings with networks comprised of the advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), advanced Virgo and Large Cryogenic Gravitational Wave Telescope (LCGT). In addition, we evaluate the benefits of relocating one of the advanced LIGO detectors to Australia.

Mots clés: Physical Sciences

Domaines: Relativité Générale et Cosmologie Quantique [gr-qc]

Stephen Fairhurst. Source localization with an advanced gravitational wave detector network. Classical and Quantum Gravity, 2011, 28 (10), pp.105021. ⟨10.1088/0264-9381/28/10/105021⟩. ⟨hal-00699376⟩