Measuring quasi-normal mode amplitudes with misaligned binary black hole ringdowns

TL;DR

This paper develops a waveform model for binary black hole ringdowns that uses the relationship between plunge geometry and quasi-normal mode amplitudes to improve parameter estimation of the coalescence process.

Contribution

It introduces a new model that interpolates QNM amplitudes based on plunge parameters, enabling better inference of black hole merger geometries from gravitational wave data.

Findings

Mode amplitudes can be measured and used to constrain plunge geometry.

Incorporating prior information significantly improves inference accuracy.

The model resolves phase transition discontinuities at large misalignments.

Abstract

In recent work, we examined how different modes in the ringdown phase of a binary coalescence are excited as a function of the final plunge geometry. At least in the large mass ratio limit, we found a clean mapping between angles describing the plunge and the amplitude of different quasi-normal modes (QNMs) which constitute the ringdown. In this study, we use that mapping to construct a waveform model expressed as a sum of QNMs where the mode amplitudes and phases are determined by the source plunge parameters. We first generate a large number of calibration waveforms and interpolate between fits of each mode amplitude and phase up to $\ell \leq 8$ and $\ell - |m| \leq 4$. The density of our calibration data allows us to resolve important features such as phase transition discontinuities at large misalignments. Using our ringdown waveform model, we then perform Bayesian parameter estimation with added white Gaussian noise to demonstrate that, in principle, the mode amplitudes can be measured and used to constrain the plunge geometry. We find that inferences are substantially improved by incorporating prior information constraining mode excitation, which motivates work to understand and characterize how the QNM excitation depends on the coalescence geometry. These results are part of a broader effort to map the mode excitation from arbitrary masses and spins, which will be useful for characterizing ringdown waves in upcoming gravitational-wave measurements.