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Multiparameter Tests of General Relativity Using Multiband Gravitational-Wave Observations.
Anuradha Gupta1,2, Sayantani Datta3, Shilpa Kastha4
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|December 1, 2020
Summary
Multiband observations of binary black holes using next-generation observatories will comprehensively test general relativity. This approach will measure post-Newtonian coefficients with unprecedented accuracy, constraining alternative gravity theories.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Gravitational Wave Astronomy
- General Relativity
Background:
- Stellar-mass binary black holes are key sources for gravitational wave astronomy.
- Testing Einstein's theory of general relativity in the strong-field regime is a major goal in physics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate how multiband gravitational wave observations can comprehensively test general relativity.
- To quantify the expected accuracy of measuring post-Newtonian coefficients.
Main Methods:
- Simulating multiband observations of binary black holes using next-generation ground-based observatories (3G) and the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA).
- Analyzing the precision of simultaneously measuring all post-Newtonian coefficients.
Main Results:
- Multiband observations enable measuring most post-Newtonian phasing coefficients to a few percent accuracy.
- This accuracy is 2 orders of magnitude better than achievable with single-band observations.
- Proposed observations will provide stringent multiparameter constraints on modified gravity theories.
Conclusions:
- Multiband gravitational wave astronomy offers a powerful tool for testing general relativity.
- The precision measurements will significantly advance our understanding of gravity and probe theories beyond Einstein's.
- Future observatories like 3G and LISA are crucial for these tests.
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