Fast Fisher Matrices and Lazy Likelihoods

Abstract: Theoretical studies in gravitational wave astronomy often require the calculation of Fisher Information Matrices and Likelihood functions, which in a direct approach entail the costly step of computing gravitational waveforms. Here I describe an alternative technique that sidesteps the need to compute full waveforms, resulting in significant computational savings. I describe how related techniques can be used to speed up Bayesian inference applied to real gravitational wave data.