The search for black hole binaries using a genetic algorithm

Abstract

In this work, we use a genetic algorithm to search for the gravitational wave signal from the inspiralling massive black hole binaries in the simulated Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) data. We consider a single signal in the Gaussian instrumental noise. This is a first step in preparation for analysis of the third round of the mock LISA data challenge. We have extended a genetic algorithm utilizing the properties of the signal and the detector response function. The performance of this method is comparable, if not better, to already existing algorithms. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.