Gravitational-Wave Data Analysis with High-Precision Numerical Relativity Simulations of Boson Star Mergers
Tamara Evstafyeva, Ulrich Sperhake, I. M. Romero-Shaw, M. Agathos
Abstract
Gravitational-wave signals detected to date are commonly interpreted under the paradigm that they originate from pairs of black holes or neutron stars. Here, we explore the alternative scenario of boson-star signals being present in the data stream. We perform accurate and long (∼20 orbits) numerical simulations of boson-star binaries and inject the resulting strain into LIGO noise. Our Bayesian inference reveals that some boson-star signals are degenerate with current approximants, albeit with biased parameters, while others exhibit smoking-gun signatures leaving behind conspicuous residuals.
Topics & Concepts
LIGOPhysicsGravitational waveNeutron starNumerical relativityBosonGravitational-wave astronomyStar (game theory)AstrophysicsDegenerate energy levelsGeneral relativityAstronomyTheoretical physicsParticle physicsQuantum mechanicsPulsars and Gravitational Waves ResearchGamma-ray bursts and supernovaeCosmology and Gravitation Theories