Beyond the Standard Model Explanations of GW190521

TL;DR

This paper explores various new physics models to explain the heavy binary black hole merger GW190521, proposing mechanisms that could produce black holes within the mass gap not accounted for by standard stellar evolution.

Contribution

It introduces multiple novel explanations involving new light particles, modified gravity, extra dimensions, and neutrino magnetic moments for the formation of black holes in the mass gap.

Findings

Proposes new physics models affecting pair-instability physics.

Suggests mechanisms for black hole formation within the mass gap.

Highlights potential observational signatures of these models.

Abstract

The LIGO/Virgo collaboration has recently announced the detection of a heavy binary black hole merger, with component masses that cannot be explained by standard stellar structure theory. In this letter we propose several explanations based on models of new physics, including new light particle losses, modified gravity, large extra dimensions, and a small magnetic moment of the neutrino. Each of these affect the physics of the pair-instability differently, leading to novel mechanisms for forming black holes inside the black hole mass gap.