Compact binary coalescence and the science case for Einstein Telescope

TL;DR

The paper discusses the potential scientific impact of the Einstein Telescope, a proposed third-generation gravitational wave observatory, on astrophysics and cosmology through observations of compact binary coalescences.

Contribution

It provides an overview of the expected capabilities of the Einstein Telescope in advancing understanding of compact objects and the universe's structure.

Findings

Enhanced measurement of neutron star and black hole mass functions

Insights into neutron star internal structure

Understanding of coalescence rate evolution and cosmological geometry

Abstract

Einstein Telescope (ET) is a possible third generation ground-based gravitational wave observatory for which a design study is currently being carried out. A brief (and non-exhaustive) overview is given of ET's projected capabilities regarding astrophysics and cosmology through observations of inspiraling and coalescing compact binaries. In particular, ET would give us unprecedented insight into the mass function of neutron stars and black holes, the internal structure of neutron stars, the evolution of coalescence rates over cosmological timescales, and the geometry and dynamics of the Universe as a whole.