Testing the Black-Hole Area Law with GW150914
M. Isi, Will M. Farr, Matthew Giesler, Mark Scheel, Saul A. Teukolsky
Abstract
We present observational confirmation of Hawking's black-hole area theorem based on data from GW150914, finding agreement with the prediction with 97% (95%) probability when we model the ringdown including (excluding) overtones of the quadrupolar mode. We obtain this result from a new time-domain analysis of the pre- and postmerger data. We also confirm that the inspiral and ringdown portions of the signal are consistent with the same remnant mass and spin, in agreement with general relativity.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsBlack hole (networking)General relativityTheory of relativityDomain (mathematical analysis)Gravitational waveMode (computer interface)Theoretical physicsQuantum mechanicsComputer scienceMathematicsMathematical analysisRouting (electronic design automation)Link-state routing protocolRouting protocolComputer networkOperating systemPulsars and Gravitational Waves ResearchAstrophysical Phenomena and ObservationsBlack Holes and Theoretical Physics