Abstract

The interpretation of gravitational wave sources depends on the specific choice of model used to interpret signals. For example, previous analyses of GWTC-3 event candidates using the SEOBNRv4PHM, IMRPhenomXPHM, and NRSur7dq4 models have arrived at sometimes notably di!erent conclusions about event properties. Unfortunately, subtle analysis settings and code di!erences can also produce notable di!erences in event properties. Previous work on GWTC-3 has not yet used a consistent analysis framework to reassess all events with state-of- the-art models. In this work, we revisit GWTC-3, reassessing every event using three waveform models: two state-of-the-art models (SEOBNRv5PHM and IMRPhenomTPHM) and one older waveform (IMRPhenomPv2). We demonstrate concretely that these two state-of-the-art waveforms still draw notably di!erent conclusions about many events: about 20% have measurable posterior di!erences, and about 12 events exhibit substantial di!erences easily visible to the eye. Additionally, we show that the older waveform model, while occasionally adequate to interpret sources, often arrives at qualitatively di!erent conclusions about key events across the mass spectrum from lower mass (GW190412, GW190814) to particularly the highest masses (GW191109, GW190519, GW190521). Our analysis corroborates the ongoing need for interpretation of gravitational wave sources using multiple state-of-the-art waveform models and techniques to adequately characterize uncertainty about source properties. We also highlight weaknesses in a few previously published results, where RIFT with SEOBNRv4PHM was operated with an inappropriate configuration.

Publication Date

8-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Astrophysical Sciences and Technology (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Physics and Astronomy, School of

College

College of Science

Advisor

Richard O’Shaughnessy

Advisor/Committee Member

Carlos Lousto

Advisor/Committee Member

Yosef Zlochower

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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