haomingz Gravitational-Wave Observational Results Writing Guide
A markdown-driven skill encoding document structure, presentation patterns, and statistical conventions from LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA collaboration SOTA papers.
Reference Source
- Reference type: Uploaded PDF artifact (Physical Review X journal article)
- Reference artifact type: PDF (peer-reviewed physics journal)
- Reference File Type: PDF
- Supported outputs: PDF, DOCX, PPTX
- Default output: PDF (academic journal manuscript, two-column layout)
First-Page Layout (Critical)
The Physical Review X format places ALL of the following on page 1:
- Journal header line: "PHYSICAL REVIEW X 9, 011001 (2019)" (centered, small caps)
- Title (bold, centered, ~14pt)
- Author line: "B. P. Abbott et al." with collaboration in parentheses
- Received/revised/published dates
- Abstract (single paragraph, ~200-250 words, full width or two-column)
- DOI line and Subject Areas
- Beginning of I. INTRODUCTION (small-caps heading)
There is NO separate title page or abstract page. The introduction starts immediately after the abstract on the same page.
Core Workflow
Establish paper scope -- Identify event(s), detector network, analysis epoch. Determine measurable parameters (masses, spins, tides, location, inclination) and what is not measurable (postmerger signal).
Structure the manuscript -- Follow section hierarchy in
references/structure_contract.md. Architecture: compact first page with abstract + intro -> Methods -> Results (by parameter class) -> Postmerger limits -> Conclusions -> Appendices -> Full author list.Write the Abstract -- Single paragraph: detection statement (SNR, detectors, event name, source type), multimessenger context, key parameter constraints with numerical values, model comparison, postmerger upper limits.
Write Methods -- Bayesian framework, data (PSD, calibration), waveform models (comparison table in Table I), prior choices (high-spin vs low-spin).
Present results by parameter class -- Canonical order: Localization -> Masses -> Spins -> Tidal parameters -> Postmerger limits. Each class: physical motivation, posterior figures, numerical constraints, model comparison.
Create figures and tables -- Follow taxonomy and caption conventions in
references/observational_results_patterns.md. Every results section must have figures. Tables use booktabs style. See the figure list below.Write conclusions and back matter -- Summary, comparison to previous work, waveform systematics, future outlook. Follow with Acknowledgments, Appendices (additional model results + injection/recovery), and full author list with affiliations.
Required Figures (15+ Total)
Every GW observational results paper must include figures. The reference contains the following figure types. Even placeholder or simplified versions must be created.
| Fig # | Type | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSD plot | Detector sensitivity curves (LIGO Hanford, Livingston, Virgo) |
| 2 | Model comparison | Relative amplitude and phase differences between waveform models |
| 3 | Sky map | Localization with 50%/90% credible regions and EM counterpart |
| 4 | 2D posterior | Inclination vs luminosity distance (GW-only and EM-informed) |
| 5 | 2D posterior | Component masses (m1-m2) for high-spin and low-spin priors |
| 6 | 1D PDF | Effective spin parameter for high-spin and low-spin priors |
| 7 | 2D posterior | Effective spin vs mass ratio (degeneracy illustration) |
| 8 | Polar plot + PDF | Spin orientations and precession parameter (high-spin) |
| 9 | Polar plot + PDF | Spin orientations and precession parameter (low-spin) |
| 10 | 2D posterior | Tidal deformability parameters with EOS curves (two panels) |
| 11 | 1D PDF | Combined tidal parameter with EOS predictions (two panels) |
| 12 | 2D posterior | Tidal parameter vs mass ratio (high-spin vs low-spin) |
| 13 | Upper limits | Postmerger strain and radiated energy (two panels) |
| 14-15 | Injection study | Parameter recovery validation plots (Appendix B) |
Running Headers and Page Numbers
- Even pages (left header): Shortened article title in small caps (e.g., "PROPERTIES OF THE BINARY NEUTRON STAR MERGER ...")
- Odd pages (right header): Journal citation in small caps (e.g., "PHYS. REV. X 9, 011001 (2019)")
- Page numbers: Bottom center, format "011001-N" where N is sequential
- Page 1 only: Has journal header "PHYSICAL REVIEW X 9, 011001 (2019)" and article ID footer "2160-3308/19/9(1)/011001(32)" + "Published by the American Physical Society"
Statistical Conventions
- Uncertainty notation: Median with asymmetric credible intervals:
x^{+upper}_{-lower}(e.g.,2.73^{+0.04}_{-0.01} M_\odot). - One-sided limits:
x \in (lower, upper)for 90% credible intervals bounded by priors. - HPD intervals: Smallest interval containing 90% probability, for asymmetric posteriors.
- Credible regions: 50% (inner, dashed) and 90% (outer, solid) contours for 2D posteriors.
- Bayes factors: Evidence ratios between competing models.
Font and Typography
- Reference fonts: Times-based serif family (Times-Roman, Times-Italic, Times-Bold from the journal), with Computer Modern math symbols.
- Substitute font strategy: When unavailable, use Times New Roman, TeX Gyre Termes, or STIX Two Text. For CJK content, use a CJK-capable serif font (SimSun, Noto Serif CJK) consistently across the entire document.
- Section headings: Small caps (e.g., "I. INTRODUCTION"), bold for main sections.
- Subsection headings: Bold title case (e.g., "A. Bayesian method").
- Math typesetting: Numbered display equations, key equations explicitly shown.
Key Reference Files
| File | When to Read |
|---|---|
references/structure_contract.md |
When planning the paper outline and section hierarchy |
references/observational_results_patterns.md |
When writing specific sections, figures, tables, captions |
references/style_contract.md |
When formatting the final document or resolving layout questions |