Fisher vs. Bayes : A comparison of parameter estimation techniques for massive black hole binaries to high redshifts with eLISA

Understand

Massive black hole binaries are the primary source of gravitational waves (GW) for the future eLISA observatory.

• The detection and parameter estimation of these sources to high redshift would provide invaluable information on the formation mechanisms of seed black holes, and on the evolution of massive black holes and their host galaxies through cosmic time.
• The Fisher information matrix has been the standard tool for GW parameter estimation in the last two decades.
• However, recent studies have questioned the validity of using the Fisher matrix approach.