Parameter estimation for signals from compact binary inspirals injected into LIGO data

Understand

During the fifth science run of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), signals modelling the gravitational waves emitted by coalescing non-spinning compact-object binaries were injected into the LIGO data stream.

• We analysed the data segments into which such injections were made using a Bayesian approach, implemented as a Markov-chain Monte-Carlo technique in our code SPINspiral.
• This technique enables us to determine the physical parameters of such a binary inspiral, including masses and spin, following a possible detection trigger.
• For the first time, we publish the results of a realistic parameter-estimation analysis of waveforms embedded in real detector noise.