Plunge waveforms from inspiralling binary black holes

TL;DR

This work uses a technique that combines the full numerical approach to solve the Einstein equations, applied in the truly nonlinear regime, and linearized perturbation theory around the final distorted single black hole at later times to compute the plunge waveforms.

Abstract

We study the coalescence of non-spinning binary black holes from near the innermost stable circular orbit down to the final single rotating black hole. We use a technique that combines the full numerical approach to solve Einstein equations, applied in the truly non-linear regime, and linearized perturbation theory around the final distorted single black hole at later times. We compute the plunge waveforms which present a non negligible signal lasting for $t\sim 100M$ showing early non-linear ringing, and we obtain estimates for the total gravitational energy and angular momentum radiated.

Figures (2)

• Figure 1: Linearization time and total radiated energy.
• Figure 2: ISCO waveform for two transition times compared against the result with no full numerical evolution, $T=0$.