MSc Defense: Patsrikasem Vanitcharenthum

Title: Probing the Standard Cosmological Model with Gravitational Waves

Abstract: Gravitational Waves are a new cosmic messenger that allow us to probe uncharted regions of the Universe. Hence why we are utilising them to inspect current cosmology, and the population distribution of the sources themselves.

This project report is divided into PART I and II. The first part was spent studying the detection of gravitational waves from compact binary sources, and what effects the detection rate. Which was done by simulating merging events by randomly selecting from population distribution, and analysing the sensitivities of LIGO. Ultimately estimating detection rate from LIGO O3 run, as well as predicting detection rate for future detection. Whereas in the second part, we explored how these gravitational wave signals could be used to constrain cosmological properties. By using bayesian inference and MCMC to infer parameters such as hubble constant, curvature, dark energy content, as well as mass distribution of blackhole population. 

Advisor: Jose M. Ezquiaga