14–16 Jan 2026
INFN - Pisa
Europe/Rome timezone

Gravitational wave astronomy without waveform approximants

16 Jan 2026, 11:10
25m
Room Galileo Galilei (131), ground floor (INFN - Pisa)

Room Galileo Galilei (131), ground floor

INFN - Pisa

Polo Fibonacci, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3, Building C

Speaker

Matteo Boschini (University of Milano-Bicocca)

Description

Gravitational wave astronomy relies on waveform approximants for both detection and parameter estimation. However, these models inherit uncertainties that grow increasingly relevant as detectors sensitivity improves. Notably, GW231123 revealed discrepancies between different waveform models. In this work we explore the possibility to perform parameter estimation directly from numerical relativity waveform using simulation-based inference. This approach avoids approximant calibration errors, even with the limited coverage of existing NR catalogs. I will present ongoing studies, highlighting both the advantages and current challenges of this "approximant-free" pathway.

Presentation materials