Gravitational wave inference on a numerical-relativity simulation of a black hole merger beyond general relativity

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2208.02805
• Publication Date: 2022-01-01
• Authors: Maria Okounkova; M. Isi; Katerina Chatziio...; Will M. Farr
• Keywords: Black hole (networking)

We apply common gravitational wave inference procedures on binary black hole merger waveforms beyond general relativity. consider dynamical Chern-Simons gravity, a modified theory of gravity with origins in string and loop quantum gravity. This introduces an additional parameter $\ell$, corresponding to the length-scale below which beyond-general-relativity effects become important. simulate data based numerical relativity produced under approximation this theory, differ from those strongly nonlinear regime. system parameters similar GW150914 different values $\ell$ signal-to-noise ratios. perform two analyses simulated data. The first is template-based analysis that uses derived allows us identify degeneracies between waveform morphologies. second morphology-independent BayesWave does not assume signal consistent faithfully reconstructs signals. However, models are unable fully mimic modified-gravity signals such deviation would be identifiable existing tools. Depending magnitude deviation, we find templated can recovering beyond-GR even for achievable ratios $\gtrsim 20{-}30$.