arXiv subjects

Zhoujian Cao

Publications and source records attributed to Zhoujian Cao.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2026

Fundamental Physics and Cosmology with TianQin

The exploration of the surrounding world and the universe is an important theme in the legacy of humankind. The detection of gravitational waves is adding a new dimension to this grand effort. What are the fundamental physical laws governing the dynamics of the universe? What is the fundamental composition of the universe? How has the universe evolved in the past and how will it evolve in the future? These are the basic questions that press for answers. The space-based gravitational wave detector TianQin will tune in to gravitational waves in the millihertz frequency range ($10^{-4} \sim 1$ Hz, to be specific), opening a new gravitational wave spectrum window to explore many of the previously hidden sectors of the universe. TianQin will discover many astrophysical systems, populating the universe at different redshifts: some will be of new types that have never been detected before, some will have very high signal-to-noise ratios, and some will have very high parameter estimation precision. The plethora of information collected will bring us to new fronts on which to search for the breaking points of general relativity, the possible violation of established physical laws, the signature of possible new gravitational physics and new fundamental fields, and to improve our knowledge on the expansion history of the universe. In this white paper, we highlight the advances that TianQin can bring to fundamental physics and cosmology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Enhancing Early Detection and Localization of Gravitational Waves via Eccentricity-Induced Higher Harmonic Modes with 2G Detector Networks

Early detection and localization of gravitational waves (GWs) are essential for identifying electromagnetic (EM) counterparts, playing a key role in multi-messenger astronomy. However, second-generation (2G) ground-based detectors are most sensitive to frequencies of tens to hundreds of hertz, limiting the in-band duration of GW signals to $\mathcal{O}(0.1)$ to several tens of seconds. This constraint hinders early-warning capabilities and early localization. We present the first theoretical study on how eccentricity-induced higher harmonic modes, which enters the detector band significantly earlier than the dominant mode, enhance early detection and localization in a 2G detector network. By decomposing each harmonic mode in the frequency domain and tracking their sequential entry into the detector band, we analyze the evolution of the average signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and localization accuracy as functions of time-to-merger. For a GW170817-like BNS, an eccentricity of $e_0=0.4$ at 10 Hz allows the signal to reach SNR 4 and the detection threshold of SNR 8 approximately 12 and 5 minutes before merger, respectively-gains of 4.5 and 1.5 minutes over the circular case. Localization within $1000 \, (100)\,\rm deg^2$ is achievable 5 (1) minutes before merger, improving by 2 minutes (15 seconds). Our results highlight the potential of eccentricity-induced higher harmonics in improving early warnings and localization, particularly for BNS mergers, enhancing the prospects for multi-messenger astronomy.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

A Dynamical Equilibrium Linking Nanohertz Stochastic Gravitational Wave Background to Cosmic Structure Formation

The stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB) is conventionally treated as a passive relic of its astrophysical and cosmological sources, with negligible back-reaction on the matter content of the Universe. Here we show that this assumption needs to be modified once the SGWB and matter are treated as a dynamically coupled non-equilibrium system. Combining linearized general relativity with the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, we derive a generalized Langevin framework that drives the coupled system toward a dynamical equilibrium, which is characterized by a distinctive strain spectrum with a high-frequency cutoff $\mathcal{W}$, and a scale-dependent coupling parameter that screens gravity progressively for the most massive structures. Three findings support this framework. Fitting the equilibrium spectrum to the NANOGrav 15-year dataset yields a Bayes factor of $48\pm 3.8$ over the supermassive black hole binary baseline, achieved entirely within general relativity and the Standard Model. The PTA-calibrated screening mass scale $m_{c}\sim 10^{12}\text{--}10^{14}\,M_{\odot}$ overlaps, with no free cosmological parameter, the $Λ$CDM-derived linear-to-nonlinear transition mass $M_{\rm NL}$ of cosmic structure at $\sim 8\,h^{-1}\,\mathrm{Mpc}$. Most strikingly, promoting this concordance to a structural identification expresses $\mathcal{W}$ entirely in terms of $M_{\rm NL}$, and its inverse acquires a transparent physical reading as a coherence threshold for SGWB-matter coupling. $\mathcal{W}$ is thereby a derived quantity linking nanohertz gravitational-wave observables to the late-time cosmological sector. The framework makes distinctive scale-dependent predictions testable by forthcoming large-scale structure surveys and space-borne gravitational-wave observatories.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2026

Simultaneously search for multi-target Galactic binary gravitational waves

The search for Galactic binary gravitational waves is a critical challenge for future space-based gravitational wave detectors, such as LISA. We propose an innovative approach to simultaneously explore gravitational waves originating from Galactic binaries by developing a new Local Maxima Particle Swarm Optimization (LMPSO) algorithm. This new approach effectively addresses the inaccuracies often associated with signal subtraction contamination, a challenge for traditional iterative subtraction methods, particularly when dealing with low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) signals (e.g., SNR $<$ 15). We also account for the effects of overlapping signals and degeneracy noise. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we use residuals from the LISA mock data challenge (LDC1-4), where 10,982 injected sources with SNR $\ge$ 15 have been removed. For the remaining sources with SNR $<$ 15, our method successfully identifies 6,508 signals, yielding a false alarm rate of $\text{FAS}_{0.8} = 36.8\%$. By focusing on a subset of sources-specifically, those with $f > 3$ mHz and those with $f \le 3$ mHz but SNR $\ge 13$-we identify 3,406 signals, with a reduced false alarm rate of $\text{FAS}_{0.8} = 22.5\%$. We further demonstrate that, within the same detection SNR range, our method achieves a comparable or lower $\text{FAS}$ than other existing methods.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Towards Realistic Detection Pipelines of Taiji: New Challenges in Data Analysis and High-Fidelity Simulations of Space-Based Gravitational Wave Antenna

Taiji, a Chinese space-based gravitational wave (GW) detection project, aims to explore the millihertz GW universe with unprecedented sensitivity. By observing astrophysical and cosmological sources, including Galactic binaries, massive black hole binaries, extreme mass-ratio inspirals, and stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds, etc., Taiji is expected to deliver transformative insights into astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics. However, Taiji's data analysis faces unique challenges compared to ground-based detectors like LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA, such as the overlap of numerous signals, extended data durations, more rigorous accuracy requirements for the waveform templates, incompletely characterized noise spectra, non-stationary noises, and various data anomalies. Taking Taiji as a representative example, this paper reviews the data characteristics and data analysis challenges of space-based GW detection, and introduces the second round of Taiji Data Challenge, a collection of simulation datasets designed as a shared platform for resolving these critical issues. This platform distinguishes itself from previous works by the systematic integration of orbital dynamics based on a full drag-free and attitude control simulation, extended noise sources, more complicated and overlapping GW signals, second-generation time-delay interferometry, and the coupling effect of time-varying arm-lengths, etc. Concurrently released is the open-source toolkit Triangle, which offers the capabilities for customized simulation of signals, noises, and other instrumental effects. By taking a step further towards realistic detection, Taiji Data Challenge II and Triangle altogether serve as a new testbed, supporting the development of Taiji's global analysis and end-to-end pipelines, and ultimately bridging the gaps between observation and scientific objectives.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Distance Estimation and Sky Localization of Eccentric Double White Dwarf Binaries from Gravitational Wave Observations inside Globular Clusters

The cosmic distance scale is built on multiple different techniques for estimating distances in space that are often connected and dependent on multiple measurements and assumptions. Double white dwarf binaries (DWDs) are common objects and are expected to produce gravitational wave (GW) signals that can be observed with space-based detectors such as LISA. By analyzing these signals we should be able to estimate the distance and sky location of the source. Previous studies have done this for circular binaries which, while they are abundant, have, in general, weaker signals than eccentric binaries and it is not possible to differentiate whether a circular binary is in the field or in a dense environment such as a globular cluster (GC). In this paper we used eccentric binaries from MOCCA GC simulations, simulated the GW signal from each binary at locations related to GCs in the Milky Way and estimated the precision on the distance and the sky location of the source. We find that distances can be estimated with higher precision than current day methods even with low eccentricity binaries and higher eccentricity further increases this precision. Although the probability of finding a tight and eccentric DWD is far lower than a circular one, we can expect to find at least a few in the dense environments of the Milky Way, such as GCs. These estimations would be independent measurements with high precision to objects inside dense environments, such as GCs inside the Milky Way and the Magellanic Clouds.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Multiband Gravitational Wave Detection Prospects for M31 UCXB-1 System in Low and Middle Frequency Band

The recent discovery of M31 UCXB-1, the first extragalactic ultracompact X-ray binary (UCXB) with an orbital period of $T_{\rm orb} \sim 465$ s, presents a unique laboratory for studying close binary evolution and an unprecedented target for continuous gravitational wave (GW) searches. Its identification as a strong candidate black hole-white dwarf (BH-WD) system, combined with its exceptionally short period and high X-ray luminosity, suggests it may be one of the most vital low-frequency GW sources in M31. In this \textit{Letter}, we investigate the detectability of its GW signal for future space-borne detectors in multiband GW detection. We find that while its signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for low-frequency detectors remains marginal for high-confidence detection, middle-frequency detectors such as DECIGO and BBO are far more promising, potentially achieving S/N $\varrho>8$ within reasonable observational duration. With a primary mass of only $m_1 > 5.4M_\odot$ (or $6.6M_\odot$), the network of all low and middle frequency detector (or BBO alone) is capable of detecting GW from this system with a $\varrho > 8$, during 10-year observation. Furthermore, orbital eccentricity can enhance the GW strain at higher harmonics, further improving its detectability, especially for middle-frequency detectors. This study establishes M31 UCXB-1 as a key prototype of short-period UCXBs, cementing its role as a cornerstone for multiband, multi-messenger astrophysics and a vital bridge between X-ray astronomy and the future GW era.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Impact of particle production during inflation on the CMB detection

This work focuses on particle production described by a nonminimally coupled model during inflation. In this model, three parameters determine the characteristic frequency and strength of the induced gravitational waves (GWs). Considering the impact of particle production on inflation, we identify the parameter values that generate the strongest GWs without violating the slow-roll mechanism at the CMB scale. However, even with such extreme parameters, the power spectrum of induced GWs is only about $0.3\%$ of that of vacuum GWs. This contribution remains insignificant when identifying the primary source of the detected CMB B-mode polarization. Furthermore, when our results are integrated with the constraints driven by P+ACT+LB+BK18, the contribution of induced GWs at CMB scales becomes negligible. In contrast, their impact on the scalar spectral index $n_s$ proves significant. For a range of parameter values, the Starobinsky inflation model yields predictions for $n_s$ that are consistent with the measurements obtained from P+ACT+LB+BK18.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

AInsteinBench: Benchmarking Coding Agents on Scientific Repositories

We introduce AInsteinBench, a large-scale benchmark for evaluating whether large language model (LLM) agents can operate as scientific computing development agents within real research software ecosystems. Unlike existing scientific reasoning benchmarks which focus on conceptual knowledge, or software engineering benchmarks that emphasize generic feature implementation and issue resolving, AInsteinBench evaluates models in end-to-end scientific development settings grounded in production-grade scientific repositories. The benchmark consists of tasks derived from maintainer-authored pull requests across six widely used scientific codebases, spanning quantum chemistry, quantum computing, molecular dynamics, numerical relativity, fluid dynamics, and cheminformatics. All benchmark tasks are carefully curated through multi-stage filtering and expert review to ensure scientific challenge, adequate test coverage, and well-calibrated difficulty. By leveraging evaluation in executable environments, scientifically meaningful failure modes, and test-driven verification, AInsteinBench measures a model's ability to move beyond surface-level code generation toward the core competencies required for computational scientific research.

cs.SE↗

arXiv2025

Multiband gravitational wave observations of eccentric escaping binary black holes from globular clusters

Stellar-mass binary black holes (sBBHs) formed in globular clusters (GCs) are promising sources for multiband gravitational wave (GW) observations, particularly with low- and middle-frequency detectors. These sBBHs can retain detectable eccentricities when they enter the sensitivity bands of low-frequency GW observatories. We study multiband GW observations of eccentric sBBHs that escape from GC models simulated with the MOCCA code, focusing on how low- and middle-frequency detectors can constrain their eccentricities and other parameters. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we generate ten realizations of cosmic sBBHs by combining the MOCCA sample with a cosmological model for GC formation and evolution. We then assess their detectability and the precision of parameter estimation. Our results show that LISA, Taiji, the LISA-Taiji network (LT), and AMIGO could detect $0.8\pm0.7$, $11.6\pm2.0$, $15.4\pm2.7$, and $7.9\pm1.3$ escaping sBBHs, respectively, over four years, while LT-AMIGO could detect $20.6\pm3.0$ multiband sBBHs in the same period. LT and AMIGO can measure initial eccentricities with relative errors of approximately $10^{-6}-2\times10^{-4}$ and $10^{-3}-0.7$, respectively. Joint LT-AMIGO observations have a similar ability to estimate eccentricities as LT alone.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

General Fourier expansion of post-Newtonian binary dynamics based on a quasi-Keplerian framework

We have introduced a new method for computing gravitational-wave emission from nonspinning binaries which systematically unifies the various integrals arising in the Fourier expansions of post-Newtonian dynamics, providing a simple, practical scheme for calculations at arbitrary precision. Using this approach, we derived the full set of 3PN dynamical quantities and gravitational-wave Fourier modes and have released the corresponding numerical code as open source. Furthermore, when radiation-reaction effects is not included, we found that the tail contribution to the energy and angular momentum fluxes can be resummed into an exceptionally compact expression with the help of the new method. These advances pave the way for more convenient and accurate frequency-domain waveform modeling in the future.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Gravitational Wave Detection Based on Gravitomagnetic Effects

In this paper, we explore the feasibility of detecting gravitomagnetic effects generated by gravitational waves, by monitoring the relative orientation of the angular momentum vectors of test particles. We analyze the response of the relative angular momentum direction to all six polarization modes of gravitational waves and estimate the magnitude of its variation during gravitational wave events. Our findings indicate that when test particles possess magnetic moments, applying an external magnetic field of appropriate strength can induce resonant precession of the angular momentum direction under the influence of gravitational waves. This resonance may significantly amplify the gravitational wave signal, potentially enabling its detection with future gyroscope-based detectors. Such detectors would complement existing gravitational wave observatories that rely on gravitoelectric effects.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Complete quasinormal modes of Type-D black holes

Quasinormal mode (QNM) spectra of black holes exhibit two open problems [Conf. Proc. C 0405132, 145 (2004); CQG 26, 163001 (2009)]: (i) the discontinuity in highly damped QNMs between Schwarzschild and Kerr solutions as $a \to 0$, and (ii) the unexplained spectral proximity between QNMs and algebraically special (AS) frequencies, particularly the anomalous multiplet splitting for Kerr $\ell=2$, $m \geq 0$ modes. We develop a novel method to compute complete QNM spectra for Type-D black holes, solving both problems and establishing a mathematical framework for boundary value problems of dissipative systems. Using analytic continuation of radial eigenvalue equations, our method eliminates the dependence on auxiliary parameters in the connection formulas for confluent Heun solutions. This breakthrough overcomes the long-standing challenge of calculating QNMs that cross or lie on the negative imaginary axis (NIA). For Schwarzschild and Kerr spacetimes ($0 \leq {n} \leq 41$, $2 \leq \ell \leq 16$), we present complete spectra validated through scattering amplitudes with errors $<10^{-10}$. The results provide definitive solutions to both open problems: (i) The inability of conventional methods to compute QNMs crossing or residing on the NIA leads to apparent discontinuities in Kerr spectra as $a \to 0$. (ii) When a QNM exactly coincides with the AS frequency, an additional QNM (unconventional mode) appears nearby. For the Kerr case with $\ell=2$, overtone sequences from both unconventional and AS modes exhibit precisely $2\ell+1$ branches, without multiplets or supersymmetry breaking at AS frequencies. Our method confirms Leung's conjecture of high-$\ell$ unconventional mode deviations from the NIA through the first $\ell=3$ calculation. Moreover, this paradigm surpasses the state-of-the-art Cook's continued fraction and isomonodromic methods in computational efficiency.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Covariant dynamics from static spherically symmetric geometries

This work reveals a fundamental link between general covariance and Birkhoff's theorem. We extend Birkhoff's theorem from general relativity to a broad class of generally covariant gravity theories formulated in the Hamiltonian framework. Conversely, we show that each one-parameter family of static, spherically symmetric spacetimes determines a class of covariant theories, each of which has that family of spacetimes as its entire vacuum solution space. Our systematic and model-independent framework applies to a wide range of spacetimes, including observationally inferred, quantum-gravity-inspired, and regular black holes. It provides a universal tool for probing their dynamical origins and enables the reconstruction of the underlying covariant theories from observational data, including gravitational-wave and black-hole-shadow measurements.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Detectability of dark matter density distribution via gravitational waves from binary black holes in the Galactic center

The fundamental nature of dark matter (DM) remains unknown, with significant uncertainties in its density profile. DM environments surrounding massive binary black holes (BBHs) modify their orbital dynamics, thereby altering gravitational wave (GW) emissions. For BBH systems at the Galactic Center, dynamical friction induced by DM spikes could produce detectable deviations in GW spectra, potentially observable by future space-based detectors. To address the uncertainties in the Galactic Center's DM profile, we systematically examine two scenarios: the generalized Navarro-Frenk-White (gNFW) profile and its post-spike modification. We investigate the evolutionary effects of DM dynamical friction and accretion on the eccentricity and semi-latus rectum of secondary black holes (BHs) in elliptical orbits. By constructing orbital models with varying initial eccentricities across the mass-semi-latus rectum parameter space and utilizing 30 years of simulated pulsar timing array data from the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), we identify detectable parameter regimes of DM effects and employ these GW observational signatures to constrain different DM density profiles. Our analysis reveals that among gNFW profiles ($γ=2,1.5,1,0.5$), only $γ=2$ produces significant detectable signatures. The formation of DM spikes further enhances these observable waveform deviations for all gNFW slopes.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

The transverse-traceless gauge and the gauge problem of second order gravitational waves

The gauge problem arises in the second order gravitational waves due to the mode mixing. Here, we introduce the transverse-traceless (TT) gauge to cosmological backgrounds, and find that if we choose the TT gauge at first order, the second order tensor mode would be gauge invariant. Analogous to the Ricci flat spacetime, the vacuum condition is the key to guarantee the existence of the TT gauge on cosmological backgrounds. When we have the vacuum condition, the Poisson gauge, the uniform curvature gauge, the synchronous gauge and the total matter gauge are all equivalent to the TT gauge. Once the vacuum condition is approximately satisfied, the Poisson gauge would reduce to the TT gauge at the same order of approximation. With the sub-horizon limit, the vacuum condition could be obtained approximately, and the Poisson gauge, the uniform curvature gauge and the synchronous gauge are all approximated TT gauge. Our findings explain several existing results in the literature and indicate that the proposed TT gauge is useful to discuss higher order gravitational waves.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

The effect of the gravitational constant variation on the phase of gravitational waves

We have previously investigated the effect of the gravitational constant variation on the gravitational wave propagation. Pure theoretical analysis indicates that the leading order effect of the gravitational constant variation corrects the amplitude of gravitational waves, and the second order effect corrects the phase of gravitational waves. As the matched filtering technique is used by gravitational wave data analysis, the phase is more important than the amplitude. In the current paper we use LIGO-VIRGO-KAGRA data to constrain the gravitational constant variation. Our findings indicate that we need to wait until the distance of the detected gravitational wave events and/or the signal-to-noise ratio increases by $2n$ orders compared to the current detection state, and then we can use phase correction to get constraint $|\frac{G'}{G}|<10^{-n}$/yr for gravitational wave events without electromagnetic counterparts. For gravitational wave events with electromagnetic counterparts which provide the information of source's luminosity distance, the phase correction can almost always be neglected to constrain $\frac{G'}{G}$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Space-borne Interferometers to Detect Thousands of Memory Signals Emitted by Stellar-mass Binary Black Holes

The gravitational memory effect manifests gravitational nonlinearity, degenerate vacua, and asymptotic symmetries; its detection is considered challenging. We propose using the space-borne interferometer to detect memory signals from stellar-mass binary black holes (BBHs), typically targeted by ground-based detectors. We use DECIGO detector as an example. Over 5 years, DECIGO is estimated to detect $\sim$2,036 memory signals (SNRs $>$3) from stellar-mass BBHs. Simulations used frequency-domain memory waveforms for direct SNR estimation. Predictions utilized a GWTC-3 constrained BBH population model (Power Law + Peak mass, DEFAULT spin, Madau-Dickinson merger rate). The analysis used conservative lower merger rate limits and considered orbital eccentricity. The high detection rate stems from strong memory signals within DECIGO's bandwidth and the abundance of stellar-mass BBHs. This substantial, conservative detection count enables statistical use of the memory effect for fundamental physics and astrophysics. DECIGO exemplifies that space interferometers may better detect memory signals from smaller mass binaries than their typical targets. Detectors in lower frequency bands are expected to find strong memory signals from $\sim 10^4 M_\odot$ binaries.

gr-qc↗