Extreme mass ratio inspirals: perspectives for their detection

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential for detecting extreme mass ratio inspirals (EMRIs) with future space-based gravitational wave observatories like eLISA, covering formation scenarios, signal models, and detection methods.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of EMRI formation channels, signal modeling, and detection strategies for future gravitational wave observations.

Findings

Different formation scenarios affect expected event rates.

Variations in orbital parameters influence detection prospects.

Overview of theoretical models and detection methods for EMRIs.

Abstract

In this article we consider prospects for detecting extreme mass ratio inspirals (EMRIs) using gravitational wave (GW) observations by a future space borne interferometric observatory eLISA. We start with a description of EMRI formation channels. Different formation scenarios lead to variations in the expected event rate and predict different distributions of the orbital parameters when the GW signal enters the eLISA sensitivity band. Then we will briefly overview the available theoretical models describing the GW signal from EMRIs and describe proposed methods for their detection.