Non-Gaussianity test for discriminating gravitational wave backgrounds around 0.1-1Hz

Abstract

We propose a non-Gaussianity test for gravitational wave backgrounds by combining data streams of multiple detectors. This simple method allows us to check whether a detected background is "smooth" enough to be consistent with an inflation-type background, or is contaminated by individually undetectable weak burst signals. The proposed test would be quite useful for the Big Bang Observer or DECIGO whose primary target is a background from inflation at 0.1-1Hz where gravitational wave bursts from supernovae of population III stars might become a troublesome foreground.