Compute selection-function differences for eccentric versus quasi-circular binaries in LVK searches

Develop and carry out a robust computation of the detection probability and selection function for eccentric binary black holes, p_E,det (and the corresponding α_E), across parameter space using injections into LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA pipelines, and quantify the differences relative to quasi-circular detection probability p_QC,det (and α_QC), particularly in near-threshold signal-to-noise regimes, so these effects can be incorporated into rate and population inferences.

Background

The paper’s framework for estimating the probability that events are eccentric requires accounting for selection effects via detection fractions and selection functions. While an overlap-based estimate suggested small differences in one fiducial case, the authors caution that the detection probabilities can differ across configurations, especially near threshold.

A detailed computation of the eccentric selection function is currently absent; establishing it is necessary for more accurate rate posteriors and event-level eccentricity probabilities.