| In this dissertation we study the applicability of different waveform models in gravitational wave searches for comparable mass binary black holes. We determine the domain of applicability of the computationally inexpensive closed form models, and the same for the semi-analytic models that have been calibrated to Numerical Relativity simulations (and are computationally more expensive). We further explore the option of using hybrid waveforms, constructed by numerically stitching analytic and numerical waveforms, as filters in gravitational wave detection searches. Beyond matched-filtering, there is extensive processing of the filter output before a detection candidate can be confirmed. We utilize recent results from Numerical Relativity to study the ability of LIGO searches to make detections, using (recolored) detector data. Lastly, we develop a waveform model, using recent self-force results, that captures the complete binary coalescence process. The self-force formalism was developed in the context of extreme mass-ratio binaries, and we successfully extend it to model intermediate mass-ratios. |
