SEMINAR 2023

Extreme mass-ratio binary black hole systems are expected to radiate low-frequency gravitational waves detectable by planned space-based Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). We hope to use these systems to probe the spacetime in exquisite detail and make precision measurements of the larger black hole’s properties. Accurate models using general relativistic perturbation theory will allow us to realize the potential of these large mass-ratio systems. Such models must include post-geodesic corrections, which account for forces driving the smaller black hole away from a geodesic trajectory. As the smaller black hole orbits the larger one, its spin couples to the curvature of the background spacetime. This introduces a post-geodesic correction called the spin-curvature force. In this talk, I will present our calculation of inspirals and associated gravitational waveforms that include both spin-curvature forces and the leading backreaction of self forces. I will discuss what aspects of the self force have been neglected, and what must be done to include these aspects in the future.