Model Waveform Accuracy Requirements for the Allen χ² Discriminator

Abstract

This paper derives accuracy standards for model gravitational waveforms required to ensure proper use of the Allen χ² discriminator in gravitational wave data analysis. These standards are different from previously established requirements for detection and waveform parameter measurement based on signal-to-noise optimization. We present convenient formulas for evaluating and interpreting the contribution of model errors to measured values of this χ² statistic. The new accuracy standards derived here are needed to ensure the reliability of measured values of the Allen χ² statistic, both in their traditional role as vetoes and in their current role as elements in evaluating the significance of candidate detections.

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