On the relevance of gravitational self-force corrections on parameter estimation errors for extreme-mass-ratio inspirals

TL;DR

This paper investigates the significance of conservative self-force corrections in EMRI waveform models for LISA, assessing their impact on parameter estimation accuracy and the importance of second-order effects.

Contribution

It provides the first estimates of parameter errors caused by neglecting conservative self-force corrections in EMRI models and explores the role of second-order radiative self-force effects.

Findings

Omitting conservative corrections can significantly bias parameter estimates.

Second-order radiative self-force effects may be important but are currently not well understood.

Approximate models suggest conservative corrections are relevant for accurate EMRI data analysis.

Abstract

It is not currently clear how important it will be to include conservative self-force (SF) corrections in the models for extreme-mass-ratio inspiral (EMRI) waveforms that will be used to detect such signals in LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) data. These proceedings will address this issue for circular-equatorial inspirals using an approximate EMRI model that includes conservative corrections at leading post-Newtonian order. We will present estimates of the magnitude of the parameter estimation errors that would result from omitting conservative corrections, and compare these to the errors that will arise from noise fluctuations in the detector. We will also use this model to explore the relative importance of the second-order radiative piece of the SF, which is not presently known.