Massive Black Hole Binary Systems in Hierarchical Scenario of Structure Formation

TL;DR

This paper models the formation rate of massive black hole binaries within the hierarchical structure formation scenario, using Press-Schechter formalism, to estimate potential gravitational wave signals detectable by LISA.

Contribution

It introduces a method to estimate the merger rate of black hole hosting haloes using extended Press-Schechter formalism, laying groundwork for future gravitational wave signal predictions.

Findings

Estimated the number of black hole binary systems formed via mergers.

Provided a framework for future gravitational wave signature calculations.

Abstract

The hierarchical scenario of structure formation describes how objects like galaxies and galaxy clusters are formed by mergers of small objects. In this scenario, mergers of galaxies can lead to the formation of massive black hole (MBH) binary systems. On the other hand, the merger of two MBH could produce a gravitational wave signal detectable, in principle, by the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). In the present work, we use the Press-Schechter formalism, and its extension, to describe the merger rate of haloes which contain massive black holes. Here, we do not study the gravitational wave emission of these systems. However, we present an initial study to determine the number of systems formed via mergers that could permit, in a future extension of this work, the calculation of the signature in gravitational waves of these systems.