Binary Compact Objects as Astrophysical Sources of Gravitational Waves

Northwestern University, Evanston IL

Investigators

Abstract

Compact objects (neutron stars or black holes) can be found in nature in close binary systems orbiting each other. Such systems are expected to emit gravitational radiation of high frequency and therefore are thought to be excellent source candidates for the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) planned to become operational in the next couple of years. Theoretical studies of such astrophysical sources of gravitational waves will be undertaken by the PI and a postdoctoral fellow, and a number of questions will be addressed: (A) what is the predicted frequency with which binary compact objects of interest form in our Galaxy and out to extragalactic distances, what are the uncertainties of these predictions, and what do they imply about gravitational-wave detection, (B) what are the physical properties of these binaries (e.g., masses, eccentricities, spins, velocities) and how can gravitational-wave data analysis methods be optimized for their detection. Undoubted confirmation of the existence of gravitational waves as fundamentally predicted by the theory of general relativity can be provided only by their direct detection, expected by observatories such as LIGO. The detectability of binary compact objects depends on a number of factors related both to the astrophysical properties of the sources and the capabilities of the observatory. The research described above will contribute to the advancement of our understanding of the most promising gravitational-wave sources, optimize the relevant data analysis methods, and therefore improve the detectability prospects for LIGO.