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Data Analysis for Space-Based Gravitational Wave Detectors: Author: Crowder, Jefferson Osborn; Date: 2006-05-15; Program: Physics; Abstract: With the launch of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) expected for the next decade, the nascent field of gravitational wave astronomy will be taking a giant leap forward. The data that will be gathered from space-borne gravitational wave detectors such as LISA will provide an expansive look through a new window on the Universe. This dissertation is presented to help open that window by exploring some of the techniques and methods that will be needed to understand the data from these detectors. The first original work presented here investigates the resolution of LISA and follow-on s...; Download File | View full details

Gravitational Wave Astronomy using Spaceborne Detectors: Author: Rubbo, Louis Joseph; Date: 2004-08-15; Program: Physics; Abstract: This dissertation explores the use of spaceborne gravitational wave detectors as observatories for studying sources of gravitational radiation. The next decade will see the launch of the first space-based gravitational wave detector. Planning for several follow on missions is already underway. Before these observatories are constructed, extensive studies into their responses, expected output, and data analysis techniques must be completed. In this dissertation these issues are addressed using the proposed Laser Interferometer Space Antenna as an exemplary model. The first original work present...; Download File | View full details

A comprehensive Bayesian approach to gravitational wave astronomy: Author: Littenberg, Tyson Bailey; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Physics; Abstract: The challenge of determining whether data from a gravitational wave detector contains signals which are cosmic in origin is the central problem in gravitational wave astronomy. The "detection problem" is particularly challenging for low amplitude signals embedded in "glitchy" instrument noise. It is imperative that we can robustly distinguish between the data being consistent with instrument noise alone, or noise and a weak gravitational wave signal. In response to this challenge we have set out to develop a robust, general purpose approach that can locate and characterize ...; Download File | View full details