Spin-Orbit Misalignment in Close Binaries with Two Compact Objects

Abstract

Spin--orbit misalignment in coalescing compact binaries affects their gravitational radiation waveforms. When the misalignment angles are large (>30 degrees), the detection efficiency of the coalescence events can decrease significantly if the misalignment effects are not modeled. In this paper, we consider the formation of close compact binaries and calculate the expected misalignment angles after the second core collapse event. Depending on the progenitor parameters and the assumptions made about supernova kicks, we find that 30 to 80 per cent of binaries containing a black hole and a neutron star that coalesce within 10 billion years have misalignment angles larger than 30 degrees and a significant fraction of them could remain undetected. The calculations allow us to place strong constraints on the progenitors of such binaries and the kick magnitudes required for their formation. We also discuss the formation of close binaries with two black holes and the effect of non-isotropic kicks.