Optimizing the network sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors across the globe

Advisor: Hang Yu

We will soon have a global network of gravitational wave detectors including three LIGO detectors (one in Livingston, LA, one in Hanford, WA, and one in India), Virgo in Europe, KAGRA in Japan, and possibly an additional one in Australia. It is interesting to examine how we should optimize the configurations of such a network to maximize the science outcomes. Should all detectors operate with similar sensitivities, or should each detector be optimized differently for a specific frequency band? This is the question we aim to answer in the project.

Necessary skills: Complex analysis; multi-variable calculus; linear algebra; programming in python/matlab/mathematic or similar languages.

Preferred skills: Statistics.