arXiv subjects

Lior M. Burko

Publications and source records attributed to Lior M. Burko.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Self-force gravitational waveforms for extreme and intermediate mass ratio inspirals. II: Importance of the second-order dissipative effect

We consider the importance of the second-order dissipative self force for gravitational wave dephasing for an extreme or intermediate mass ratio system moving along a quasi-circular Schwarzschild orbit. For the first-order self force we use the fully relativistic force in the Lorenz gauge for eternally circular geodesics. The second-order self force is modeled by its 3.5 post Newtonian counterpart. We evolve the system using the osculating orbits method, and obtain the gravitational waveforms, whose phase includes all the terms - within our approximation (and using the self force along circular geodesics) - that are independent of the system's mass ratio. The partial dephasing due to the second-order dissipative self force is substantially smaller than that of the first-order conservative self force, although they are both at the same order in the mass ratio.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Self-forced gravitational waveforms for Extreme and Intermediate mass ratio inspirals

We present the first orbit-integrated self force effects on the gravitational waveform for an I(E)MRI source. We consider the quasi-circular motion of a particle in the spacetime of a Schwarzschild black hole and study the dependence of the dephasing of the corresponding gravitational waveforms due to ignoring the conservative piece of the self force. We calculate the cumulative dephasing of the waveforms and their overlap integral, and discuss the importance of the conservative piece of the self force in detection and parameter estimation. For long templates the inclusion of the conservative piece is crucial for gravitational-wave astronomy, yet may be ignored for short templates with little effect on detection rate. We then discuss the effect of the mass ratio and the start point of the motion on the dephasing.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

Self Force Orbit-Integrated gravitational waveforms for E(I)MRIs

We present the first orbit-integrated self force effects for an IMRI or EMRI source, specifically the effects of its conservative piece on the orbit and on the waveform. We consider the quasi-circular motion of a particle in the spacetime of a Schwarzschild black hole, find the orbit and the corresponding gravitational waveform, and discuss the importance of the conservative piece of the self force in detection and parameter estimation. We also show the effect of the conservative piece of the self force on gauge invariant quantities, specifically $u^t$ as a function of the angular frequency $Ω$. For long templates the inclusion of the conservative piece is crucial for gravitational-wave astronomy, yet may be ignored for short templates with little effect on detection rate.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Late-time Kerr tails: generic and non-generic initial data sets, "up" modes, and superposition

Three interrelated questions concerning Kerr spacetime late-time scalar-field tails are considered numerically, specifically the evolutions of generic and non-generic initial data sets, the excitation of "up" modes, and the resolution of an apparent paradox related to the superposition principle. We propose to generalize the Barack-Ori formula for the decay rate of any tail multipole given a generic initial data set, to the contribution of any initial multipole mode. Our proposal leads to a much simpler expression for the late-time power law index. Specifically, we propose that the late-time decay rate of the $Y_{\ell m}$ spherical harmonic multipole moment because of an initial $Y_{\ell' m}$ multipole is independent of the azimuthal number $m$, and is given by $t^{-n}$, where $n=\ell'+\ell+1$ for $\ell<\ell'$ and $n=\ell'+\ell+3$ for $\ell\ge\ell'$. We also show explicitly that the angular symmetry group of a multipole does not determine its late-time decay rate.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

On the falloff of radiated energy in black hole spacetimes

The goal of much research in relativity is to understand gravitational waves generated by a strong-field dynamical spacetime. Quantities of particular interest for many calculations are the Weyl scalar $ψ_4$, which is simply related to the flux of gravitational waves far from the source, and the flux of energy carried to distant observers, $\dot E$. Conservation laws guarantee that, in asympotically flat spacetimes, $ψ_4 \propto 1/r$ and $\dot E \propto 1/r^2$ as $r \to \infty$. Most calculations extract these quantities at some finite extraction radius. An understanding of finite radius corrections to $ψ_4$ and $\dot E$ allows us to more accurately infer their asymptotic values from a computation. In this paper, we show that, if the final state of the system is a black hole, then the leading correction to $ψ_4$ is ${\cal O}(1/r^3)$, and that to the energy flux is ${\cal O}(1/r^4)$ --- not ${\cal O}(1/r^2)$ and ${\cal O}(1/r^3)$ as one might naively guess. Our argument only relies on the behavior of the curvature scalars for black hole spacetimes. Using black hole perturbation theory, we calculate the corrections to the leading falloff, showing that it is quite easy to correct for finite extraction radius effects.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Energy in one dimensional linear waves in a string

We consider the energy density and energy transfer in small amplitude, one-dimensional waves on a string, and find that the common expressions used in textbooks for the introductory physics with calculus course give wrong results for some cases, including standing waves. We discuss the origin of the problem, and how it can be corrected in a way appropriate for the introductory calculus based physics course.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2009

Black hole quasinormal mode spectroscopy with LISA

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for black hole quasinormal mode sources of low-frequency gravitational waves is estimated using a Monte Carlo approach that replaces the all-sky average approximation. We consider an eleven dimensional parameter space that includes both source and detector parameters. We find that in the black-hole mass range $M\sim 4$-$7\times 10^6M_{\odot}$ the SNR is significantly higher than the SNR for the all-sky average case, as a result of the variation of the spin parameter of the sources. This increased SNR may translate to a higher event rate for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). We also study the directional dependence of the SNR, show at which directions in the sky LISA will have greater response, and identify the LISA blind spots.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Transversality of Electromagnetic Waves in the Calculus-Based Introductory Physics Course

Introductory calculus-based physics textbooks state that electromagnetic waves are transverse and list many of their properties, but most such textbooks do not bring forth arguments why this is so. Both physical and theoretical arguments are at a level appropriate for students of courses based on such books, and could be readily used by instructors of such courses. Here, we discuss two physical arguments (based on polarization experiments and on lack of monopole electromagnetic radiation), and the full argument for the transversality of (plane) electromagnetic waves based on the integral Maxwell equations. We also show, at a level appropriate for the introductory course, why the electric and magnetic fields in a wave are in phase and the relation of their magnitudes.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2008

Computational Efficiency of Frequency-- and Time--Domain Calculations of Extreme Mass--Ratio Binaries: Equatorial Orbits

Gravitational waveforms and fluxes from extreme mass--ratio inspirals can be computed using time--domain methods with accuracy that is fast approaching that of frequency--domain methods. We study in detail the computational efficiency of these methods for equatorial orbits of fast spinning Kerr black holes, and find the number of modes needed in either method --as functions of the orbital parameters-- in order to achieve a desired accuracy level. We then estimate the total computation time and argue that for high eccentricity orbits the time--domain approach is more efficient computationally. We suggest that in practice low--$m$ modes are computed using the frequency--domain approach, and high--$m$ modes are computed using the time--domain approach, where $m$ is the azimuthal mode number.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Late-time Kerr tails revisited

The decay rate of late time tails in the Kerr spacetime have been the cause of numerous conflicting results, both analytical and numerical. In particular, there is much disagreement on whether the decay rate of an initially pure multipole moment ${\ell}$ is according to $t^{-(2{\bar\ell}+3)}$, where ${\bar\ell}$ is the least multipole moment whose excitation is not disallowed, or whether the decay rate is according to $t^{-n}$, where $n=n({\ell})$. We do careful 2+1D numerical simulations, and explain the various results. In particular, we show that pure multipole outgoing initial data in either Boyer--Lindquist on ingoing Kerr coordinates on the corresponding slices lead to the same late time tail behavior. We also show that similar initial data specified in terms of the Poisson spherical coordinates lead to the simpler $t^{-(2{\bar\ell}+3)}$ late time tail. We generalize the rule $n=n({\ell})$ to subdominant modes, and also study the behavior of non--axisymmetric initial data. We discuss some of the causes for possible errors in 2+1D simulations, demonstrate that our simulations are free of those errors, and argue that some conflicting past results may be attributed to them.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

The late-time tails in the Reissner-Nordström spacetime revisited

We propose that the late-time tail problem in the Reissner-Nordström (RN) spacetime is dual to a tail problem in the Schwarzschild spacetime with a different initial data set: at a fixed observation point the asymptotic decay rate of the fields are equal. This duality is used to find the decay rate for tails in RN. This decay rate is exactly as in Schwarzschild, including the case of the extremely-charged RN spacetime (ERN). The only case where any deviation from the Schwarzschild decay rate is found is the case of the tails along the event horizon of an ERN spacetime, where the decay rate is the same as at future null infinity. As observed at a fixed location, the decay rate in ERN is the same as in Schwarzschild. We verify these expectations with numerical simulations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Accurate time-domain gravitational waveforms for extreme-mass-ratio binaries

The accuracy of time-domain solutions of the inhomogeneous Teukolsky equation is improved significantly. Comparing energy fluxes in gravitational waves with highly accurate frequency-domain results for circular equatorial orbits in Schwarzschild and Kerr, we find agreement to within 1% or better, which we believe can be even further improved. We apply our method to orbits for which frequency-domain calculations have a relative disadvantage, specifically high-eccentricity (elliptical and parabolic) "zoom-whirl" orbits, and find the energy fluxes, waveforms, and characteristic strain in gravitational waves.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Towards a wave-extraction method for numerical relativity. V. Extracting the Weyl scalars in the quasi-Kinnersley tetrad from spatial data

We extract the Weyl scalars $Ψ_0$ and $Ψ_4$ in the quasi-Kinnersley tetrad by finding initially the (gauge--, tetrad--, and background--independent) transverse quasi-Kinnersley frame. This step still leaves two undetermined degrees of freedom: the ratio $|Ψ_0|/|Ψ_4|$, and one of the phases (the product $|Ψ_0|\cdot |Ψ_4|$ and the {\em sum} of the phases are determined by the so-called BB radiation scalar). The residual symmetry ("spin/boost") can be removed by gauge fixing of spin coefficients in two steps: First, we break the boost symmetry by requiring that $ρ$ corresponds to a global constant mass parameter that equals the ADM mass (or, equivalently in perturbation theory, that $ρ$ or $μ$ equal their values in the no-radiation limits), thus determining the two moduli of the Weyl scalars $|Ψ_0|, |Ψ_4|$, while leaving their phases as yet undetermined. Second, we break the spin symmetry by requiring that the ratio $π/τ$ gives the expected polarization state for the gravitational waves, thus determining the phases. Our method of gauge fixing--specifically its second step--is appropriate for cases for which the Weyl curvature is purely electric. Applying this method to Misner and Brill--Lindquist data, we explicitly find the Weyl scalars $Ψ_0$ and $Ψ_4$ perturbatively in the quasi-Kinnersley tetrad.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Orbital evolution for extreme mass-ratio binaries: conservative self forces

The conservative dephasing effects of gravitational self forces for extreme mass-ratio inspirals are studied. Both secular and non-secular conservative effects may have a significant effect on LISA waveforms that is independent of the mass ratio of the system. Such effects need to be included in generated waveforms to allow for accurate gravitational wave astronomy that requires integration times as long as a year.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Multipole structure and coordinate systems

Multipole expansions depend on the coordinate system, so that coefficients of multipole moments can be set equal to zero by an appropriate choice of coordinates. Therefore, it is meaningless to say that a physical system has a nonvanishing quadrupole moment, say, without specifying which coordinate system is used. (Except if this moment is the lowest non-vanishing one.) This result is demonstrated for the case of two equal like electric charges. Specifically, an adapted coordinate system in which the potential is given by a monopole term only is explicitly found, the coefficients of all higher multipoles vanish identically. It is suggested that this result can be generalized to other potential problems, by making equal coordinate surfaces coincide with the potential problem's equipotential surfaces.

physics.class-ph↗

arXiv2006

Comment on "High-order contamination in the tail of gravitational collapse''

We confront the predictions of S. Hod, Phys. Rev. D 60, 104053 (1999) for the late-time decay rate of black hole perturbations with numerical data. Specifically, we ask two questions: First, are corrections to the Price tail dominated by logarithmic terms, as predicted by Hod? Second, if there were logarithmic correction terms, do they take the specific form predicted in Hod's paper? The answer to both questions is ``no.''

gr-qc↗

arXiv2006

Towards a novel wave-extraction method for numerical relativity

We present the recent results of a research project aimed at constructing a robust wave extraction technique for numerical relativity. Our procedure makes use of Weyl scalars to achieve wave extraction. It is well known that, with a correct choice of null tetrad, Weyl scalars are directly associated to physical properties of the space-time under analysis in some well understood way. In particular it is possible to associate $Ψ_4$ with the outgoing gravitational radiation degrees of freedom, thus making it a promising tool for numerical wave--extraction. The right choice of the tetrad is, however, the problem to be addressed. We have made progress towards identifying a general procedure for choosing this tetrad, by looking at transverse tetrads where $Ψ_1=Ψ_3=0$. As a direct application of these concepts, we present a numerical study of the evolution of a non-linearly disturbed black hole described by the Bondi--Sachs metric. This particular scenario allows us to compare the results coming from Weyl scalars with the results coming from the news function which, in this particular case, is directly associated with the radiative degrees of freedom. We show that, if we did not take particular care in choosing the right tetrad, we would end up with incorrect results.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2006

Orbital evolution of a test particle around a black hole: Indirect determination of the self force in the post Newtonian approximation

Comparing the corrections to Kepler's law with orbital evolution under a self force, we extract the finite, already regularized part of the latter in a specific gauge. We apply this method to a quasi-circular orbit around a Schwarzschild black hole of an extreme mass ratio binary, and determine the first- and second-order conservative gravitational self force in a post Newtonian expansion. We use these results in the construction of the gravitational waveform, and revisit the question of the relative contribution of the self force and spin-orbit coupling.

gr-qc↗