Neutron Star Measurements in Third Generation Gravitational Wave Observatories

When dense objects in space orbit each other and merge they produce ripples in space-time called gravitational waves. Last year gravitational waves from neutron stars were detected. Several proposals for third generation gravitational-wave detectors were analyzed to determine their capabilities and accuracy in detecting binary neutron-star mergers and measuring their properties. This research compares the future detectors A+, A++, Cosmic Explorer1, Cosmic Explorer2 Wide and Narrow, the Einstein Telescopes B and D, Vrt, and Voyager to the current Advanced LIGO. The inspiral analysis aimed to determine the optimal frequency range for the detectors to observe the inspiral of two neutron stars. The inspiral part of the wave occurs when two neutron stars orbit each other and get closer to merging and the post merger begins after they have collided. The post merger analysis used several equations of state and determined the frequency range that gave the clearest SNR and best results for making analysis on the EOS’s. SNR values indicate whether or not the post merger would be distinguishable from the noise. This analysis will determine which detector configurations are best for measuring properties of neutron star matter.