Binary-black-hole merger: symmetry and the spin expansion.
We regard binary-black-hole (BBH) merger as a map from a simple initial state (two Kerr black holes, with dimensionless spins a and b) to a simple final state (a Kerr black hole with mass m, dimensionless spin s, and kick velocity k). By expanding this map around a=b=0 and applying symmetry constraints, we obtain a simple formalism that is remarkably successful at explaining existing BBH simulations. It also makes detailed predictions and suggests a more efficient way of mapping the parameter space of binary black-hole merger. Since we rely on symmetry rather than dynamics, our expansion complements previous analytical techniques.
Boyle
Latham
L
Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), University of Toronto, 60 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Kesden
Michael
M
Nissanke
Samaya
S