Objectif We address some of the major unsolved questions of galactic nuclei using methods of condensed matter physics. Galactic nuclei host a central supermassive black hole, a dense population of stars and compact objects, and in many cases a bright gaseous disk feeding the supermassive black hole. The observed stellar distribution exhibits both spherical and counterrotating disk-like structures. Existing theoretical models cannot convincingly explain the origin of the stellar disks. Is there also a “dark cusp” or “dark disk” of stellar mass black holes? Are there intermediate mass black holes in the Galactic center? We examine the statistical physics of galactic nuclei and their long term dynamical evolution. A star orbiting a supermassive black hole on an eccentric precessing orbit covers an axisymmetric annulus. The long-term gravitational interaction between such annuli is similar to the Coulomb interaction between axisymmetric molecules constituting a liquid crystal. We apply standard methods of condensed matter physics to examine these astrophysical systems. The observed disk and spherical structures represent isotropic-nematic phase transitions. We derive the phase space distribution and time-evolution of different stellar components including a population of black holes. Further, we investigate the interaction of a stellar cluster with a gaseous disk, if present. This leads to the formation of gaps, warps, and spiral waves in the disk, the redistribution of stellar objects, and possibly the formation of intermediate mass black holes. We explore the implications for electromagnetic and gravitational wave observatories. Dark disks of black holes could provide the most frequent source of gravitational waves for LIGO and VIRGO. These detectors will open a new window on the Universe; the proposed project will open a new field in gravitational wave astrophysics to interpret the sources. We also explore implications for electromagnetic observations. Champ scientifique natural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyobservational astronomygravitational wavesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsblack holesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomystellar astronomyengineering and technologymaterials engineeringliquid crystals Mots‑clés black hole physics gravitational waves nonlinear dynamical systems Hamiltonian physics mean field theory active galactic nuclei accretion disks disordered systems quenched states Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Thème(s) ERC-StG-2014 - ERC Starting Grant Appel à propositions ERC-2014-STG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-STG - Starting Grant Institution d’accueil THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Contribution nette de l'UE € 320 286,96 Adresse WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Région South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 320 286,96 Bénéficiaires (2) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution nette de l'UE Tout développer Tout réduire THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Royaume-Uni Contribution nette de l'UE € 320 286,96 Adresse WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford Voir sur la carte Région South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 320 286,96 EOTVOS LORAND TUDOMANYEGYETEM Hongrie Contribution nette de l'UE € 1 191 149,04 Adresse EGYETEM TER 1-3 1053 Budapest Voir sur la carte Région Közép-Magyarország Budapest Budapest Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Participation aux programmes de R&I de l'UE Opens in new window Réseau de collaboration HORIZON Opens in new window Coût total € 1 191 149,04
