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Modelling Microlensing Events Workshop topics

28 August, 2008
Specific subtopics:
  1. Calibrating the data from multiple sites
    • reported error bars, flux<->magnitudes conversions per site, common data format
    • error bar rescaling
    • observing responses to outliers (site specific)
    • observing conditions data
    • Image subtraction & data reduction
    • synchronising data sharing
  2. Model parameterization
    • modelling ordinary lightcurves and anomalies
    • model ambiguities and parameter degeneracies
    • dealing with data gaps
    • selecting initial conditions
  3. MagnificationThe factor by which the apparent angular size of an object is increased when viewed through a telescope.-vs-time
    • binary lenses
      • point source
      • resolved source
    • blending
    • binary source
    • parallax
    • rotating binary
    • triple lenses or more
  4. Parameter space search to best models
    • event libraries & pattern recognition
    • division of parameter space to subspaces
    • artificial neural networks
    • genetic algorithms
    • Markov Chain Monte Carlo
    • local minima: identification of multiple solutions and arriving at the "best" solution
    • Model optimization
      • chi^2 minimization: downhill simplex, gradients
      • other algorithms
  5. Probabilistic interpretation
    • from successful fits to real physical parameters
    • assessing the confidence of parameter estimation
  6. Cooperation and efficient communication
    • common data exchange file format
    • transfer of active data between observing campaigns
    • development of web-based tools
    • data visualization
    • communicating with the media & public (?)
  7. LCOGTLas Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network
    • status of 2m
    • deployment of 1m telescopes
    • expectations of the microlensing community from LCOGT
    • LCOGT involvement in microlensing searches