Determine NR waveform length needed for accurate PN–NR hybridization (especially for precessing binaries)

Determine the minimum duration of numerical-relativity binary black hole waveforms that is required to enable accurate hybridization with post-Newtonian waveforms, with particular emphasis on precessing configurations. The objective is to specify how long the numerical-relativity segment must be—measured in gravitational-wave cycles or physical time—so that the hybridized waveform achieves the desired accuracy for modeling and data analysis.

Background

The paper discusses the need to combine post-Newtonian and numerical-relativity (NR) waveforms to produce sufficiently long signals for data analysis, especially for lower-mass systems where detectors are sensitive over many cycles. While hybridization is a practical solution, the authors explicitly state that the required NR duration to ensure accurate hybridization is currently unclear.

The uncertainty is particularly acute for precessing systems, which can exhibit more complex dynamics and mode content, potentially necessitating longer NR segments to ensure robust hybridization and accurate modeling across parameter space.