PIRSA:25040125

Video URL

https://pirsa.org/25040125

Inferring new properties of matter with future gravitational-wave observations

Read, J. (2025). Inferring new properties of matter with future gravitational-wave observations. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. https://pirsa.org/25040125

Read, Jocelyn. Inferring new properties of matter with future gravitational-wave observations. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Apr. 24, 2025, https://pirsa.org/25040125 

          @misc{ scivideos_PIRSA:25040125,
            doi = {10.48660/25040125},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/25040125},
            author = {Read, Jocelyn},
            keywords = {Strong Gravity},
            language = {en},
            title = {Inferring new properties of matter with future gravitational-wave observations},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics},
            year = {2025},
            month = {apr},
            note = {PIRSA:25040125 see, \url{https://scivideos.org/pirsa/25040125}}
          }

Jocelyn Read California State University, Fullerton

Talk numberPIRSA:25040125
DOI10.48660/25040125
Source RepositoryPIRSA
Collection
Talk Type Scientific Series
Subject

Abstract

As the sensitivity of gravitational-wave detector networks increases, high-fidelity signal recovery from the most prominent events becomes possible. The strongest signals present both opportunities and challenges for determining the properties of their sources. Focusing on the problem of inferring the nuclear equation of state from neutron star mergers, I will discuss how systematic errors from waveform modeling have the potential to dominate the inference of matter properties in near-future observations. If properly addressed, loud signals may reveal subdominant effects on the source dynamics, providing novel opportunities to learn about neutron star matter beyond the equation of state. I will outline a data-driven approach to interpreting gravitational-wave observations with phenomenological signal corrections, including some first results from work at CSUF on binary black hole systems. I’ll also discuss methods for connecting unmodeled waveform effects to the energetics of the source system. Finally, I will relate these uncertainty quantification methods to goals for instrumental design, demonstrating how next-generation sensitivities will translate into improved scientific potential.