Parameterized tests of general relativity with gravitational wave generation and propagation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a unified parameterization to test deviations from general relativity in both gravitational wave generation and propagation, applying it to GW150914, and finds no deviations with current data.

Contribution

It proposes a combined parameterization approach for GW generation and propagation modifications, improving the accuracy of GR tests with gravitational wave data.

Findings

Graviton mass constrained to <6.3×10⁻²³ eV/c² at 90% CL

No deviations from GR detected at 90% CL

Unified parameterization enhances GW tests of gravity

Abstract

Any modification on gravity would affect not only gravitational wave (GW) generation but also GW propagation. Therefore, tests of general relativity (GR) with only GW generation or GW propagation will lead to an overestimate for deviations. Here we try to use one set of parameters to parameterize the modifications on both GW generation and GW propagation and then test GR with GW150914. In our simplest case, we find that graviton mass $\mu<6.3\times10^{-23}{\rm eV/c^2}$ at $90\%$ C.L. and there are no deviations from GR at $90\%$ C.L..