Project description
Gravitational wave predictions at highest precision
Gravitational waves from merging black holes and neutron stars reveal the universe’s most extreme phenomena, yet precision in detecting these waves remains limited. In this context, the ERC-funded GraWFTy project aims to enhance this precision. By leveraging a novel quantum formalism known as worldline quantum field theory, GraWFTy addresses the challenge of solving Einstein’s field equations with high accuracy. This approach accounts for radiative and spin effects and explores strong gravitational fields. The project will refine the theoretical models that predict gravitational waveforms, crucial for interpreting data from next-generation observatories. These advancements could test Einstein’s theory under unprecedented conditions, reveal insights into black hole formation, and enhance our understanding of neutron stars.
Objective
This project will determine the gravitational waves emitted in the encounter of two black holes or neutron stars in our universe at highest-precision. The gravitational waves emerging from such violent mergers are now routinely detected at the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observatories since their discovery in 2016. With the presently planed third generation of observatories the experimental accuracy will dramatically increase. Theoretical predictions for the emitted waveforms at highest-precision are therefore needed in order to determine the source parameters, such as masses, spins and intrinsic parameters of the two compact objects. Obtaining these waveforms requires solving the extremely difficult field equations of Einstein’s gravity. Major obstacles are the inclusion of radiative and spin effects at high-precision, as well as access to the strong gravity regime. Together with my research group, I have recently devised a novel quantum formalism to attack this classical physics scenario – worldline quantum field theory – that is methodologically rooted in elementary particle physics. It is the leading formalism to compute observables in the gravitational scattering of spinning black holes and neutron stars. My goal is to extend the scope of worldline quantum field theory to include radiative, higher spin and tidal effects, that discriminate between black holes and neutron stars. Moreover, I will uncover a hidden supersymmetry in the scattering of two spinning black holes. Finally, by matching to curved space-times I will develop theoretical tools that apply to strong gravitational fields as they arise close to the merger. These are presently unreachable by analytical methods. Our results will set the basis to test Einstein’s theory of gravity in extreme regions, possibly uncovering deviations from known physics; to understand black-hole formation; and to uncover the nature of neutron stars.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyobservational astronomygravitational waves
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomystellar astronomyneutron stars
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physicsquantum field theory
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsblack holes
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC GrantsHost institution
10117 Berlin
Germany