Observational Gravitational-wave Astrophysics

We have been playing a pivotal role in Gravitational-wave research for the last fifty years.

In detection and observation, we have pioneered the methods now used to detect gravitational wave signals with matched filtering, and then to measure their properties using sophisticated Bayesian analysis tools that rely on accurate theoretical signal models.

Within the international LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration, we are continuously analysing the data from those Gravitational-wave observatories. Our institute’s members are all using this exciting new window on the universe to improve our understanding of the Gravitational-wave sky.

We are also involved in multi-messenger observations, which also require identifying Gravitational Wave signals with Gamma-Ray-Burst observations.

Colliding black holes on supercomputers

To observe black holes and neutron stars through gravitational-wave observations, and to measure their properties, we require accurate predictions of the signals from Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Building on decades of research and expertise, the GEI has performed pioneering supercomputer calculations of signals from black-hole mergers and used those to produce the analytical signal models that have been used to find and measure black holes since the first GW detection in 2015.

Our research involves ongoing study of the structure of Einstein’s equations and new numerical methods to understand ever more extreme binary systems; improved modelling that is essential for current and next-generation detectors; and quantifying systematics in GW measurements: what we can know, and what we cannot.