Scientists Use Extreme Mass-Ratio Inspirals to Test General Relativity
Scientists are using extreme mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs) to test general relativity and potentially discover new physics. EMRIs, where a small compact object orbits a supermassive black hole, are ideal for studying strong-field gravity. Researchers aim to place limits on the quantum properties of black holes using gravitational wave observations.
The team's work focuses on accurate waveform models for detecting and characterizing EMRI signals. They estimate the number of detectable EMRI events for mission planning. A newer area of research investigates 'wet' EMRIs, where the compact object is still surrounded by an accretion disk, offering additional information. The team shows that orbital evolution of EMRIs is affected by corrections to standard black hole theory, leading to measurable changes in emitted gravitational waves.
Researchers from Lanzhou University have developed a method to test black hole predictions with unprecedented accuracy using EMRIs. They consider eccentric orbits, more common in astrophysical scenarios, and develop a theoretical framework for modelling quantum effects on spacetime geometry. Future space-based detectors like LISA can probe strong-field gravitational effects and establish constraints on these corrections.
EMRIs are crucial for testing general relativity and potentially discovering new physics, including quantum properties of black holes. Future gravitational wave detectors like LISA and the Einstein Telescope will play a significant role in probing strong-field gravity and constraining quantum effects.
