Gravity seminar - Lorenzo KüchlerSeminar

Event details

Title: Framework for inspiral-merger-ringdown waveforms from self-force theory

Abstract: Compact binaries with asymmetric mass ratios are key expected sources for next-generation gravitational wave detectors. Gravitational self-force theory has been successful in producing post-adiabatic waveforms that describe the quasi-circular inspiral around a non-spinning black hole with sub-radian accuracy, in remarkable agreement with numerical relativity simulations. Current inspiral models, however, break down at the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO), missing part of the waveform as the secondary body transitions to a plunge into the black hole. In this talk I will describe the transition-to-plunge expansion around the ISCO within a multiscale formulation which facilitates rapid generation of waveforms. I will present such waveforms to second post-leading transition-to-plunge (2PLT) order. I will then present a framework for computing the gravitational radiation as the secondary plunges behind the event horizon of the primary on a geodesic orbit, focusing on enforcing the match with the late-time transition to plunge. Finally, I will discuss how the three regimes (inspiral, transition and plunge) can be combined to build a full waveform.