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.
Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), University of Toronto, 60 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Latham
L
Boyle
Michael
M
Kesden
Samaya
S
Nissanke