Gravitational Waves from Core Collapse Supernovae

TL;DR

This paper models gravitational wave signals from axisymmetric core collapse supernovae with realistic physics, predicting their detectability by AdvLIGO and emphasizing the need for 3D models for further accuracy.

Contribution

It provides the first complete waveforms from first-principles supernova models including multi-frequency neutrino transport and general relativity.

Findings

Predicted gravitational wave signals are detectable by AdvLIGO.

Waveforms computed through explosion phases.

Axisymmetry limits the models; 3D simulations are needed.

Abstract

We present the gravitational wave signatures for a suite of axisymmetric core collapse supernova models with progenitors masses between 12 and 25 solar masses. These models are distinguished by the fact they explode and contain essential physics (in particular, multi-frequency neutrino transport and general relativity) needed for a more realistic description. Thus, we are able to compute complete waveforms (i.e., through explosion) based on non-parameterized, first-principles models. This is essential if the waveform amplitudes and time scales are to be computed more precisely. Fourier decomposition shows that the gravitational wave signals we predict should be observable by AdvLIGO across the range of progenitors considered here. The fundamental limitation of these models is in their imposition of axisymmetry. Further progress will require counterpart three-dimensional models.