Massive Black Hole Science with eLISA

TL;DR

eLISA will significantly advance our understanding of massive black hole formation, evolution, and their role in the universe by detecting numerous binary coalescences across cosmic history, enabling precise measurements and new physics insights.

Contribution

This paper reviews the potential of eLISA to transform black hole astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics through high-precision gravitational wave observations.

Findings

Detection of 10-100 binary coalescences per year

Accurate measurements of black hole parameters

Insights into cosmic black hole populations

Abstract

The evolving Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA) will revolutionize our understanding of the formation and evolution of massive black holes along cosmic history by probing massive black hole binaries in the $10^3-10^7$ solar mass range out to redshift $z\gtrsim 10$. High signal-to-noise ratio detections of $\sim 10-100$ binary coalescences per year will allow accurate measurements of the parameters of individual binaries (such as their masses, spins and luminosity distance), and a deep understanding of the underlying cosmic massive black hole parent population. This wealth of unprecedented information can lead to breakthroughs in many areas of physics, including astrophysics, cosmology and fundamental physics. We review the current status of the field, recent progress and future challenges.