Preparing for a new LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA low-latency SSM search

[frenbox]

The LVK collaboration is planning to introduce a new search type named SSM (Sub-Solar Mass) in low-latency analysis and automated alert system. This search, however, produces slightly different data products compared to the currently existing CBC searches.

Current behavior

SSM searches will not produce p-astro information and hence quantities like PROB_BNS, PROB_NSBH, PROB_BBH, and PROB_TERRES will be absent. Similarly, PROB_REMNANT will also not be provided. Hence, the alert .xml and .json packet will be missing these fields. A new quantity, has_SSM will be present to indicate the presence of sub-solar mass object.

The current system replaces these missing values with random numbers as shown below:

Expected behavior

For alerts from SSM searches:

• the p_astro quantities, namely, PROB_BNS, PROB_NSBH, PROB_BBH, and PROB_TERRES should be absent from the notice
• PROB_REMNANT quantity should be absent
• PROB_SSM, a new quantity should be added which will obtain value from has_SSM field from the alert
• SSM should be introduced as a new search type solving the issue SEARCH_TYPE: 0 = undefined

Steps to reproduce

ssm_example.json
An example of a json alert form SSM search is attached herewith.

Environment

Thank you in advance. Please feel free to reach out in case of questions.