Spin-induced dynamical scalarization, de-scalarization and stealthness in scalar-Gauss-Bonnet gravity during black hole coalescence

TL;DR

This paper investigates how scalar fields coupled to the Gauss-Bonnet invariant influence black hole mergers, revealing phenomena like dynamical scalarization and descalarization, with potential impacts on gravitational wave signals and tests of gravity theories.

Contribution

It demonstrates the role of black hole spin and coupling strength in scalarization dynamics during mergers, extending previous models to include these effects.

Findings

Black hole spin significantly affects scalarization processes.

Dynamical descalarization can produce unscalarized remnants.

Scalarization may occur post-merger, affecting gravitational wave signals.

Abstract

Particular couplings between a scalar field and the Gauss-Bonnet invariant lead to spontaneous scalarization of black holes. Here we continue our work on simulating this phenomenon in the context of binary black hole systems. We consider a negative coupling for which the black-hole spin plays a major role in the scalarization process. We find two main phenomena: (i) dynamical descalarization, in which initially scalarized black holes form an unscalarized remnant, and (ii) dynamical scalarization, whereby the late merger of initially unscalarized black holes can cause scalar hair to grow. An important consequence of the latter case is that modifications to the gravitational waveform due to the scalar field may only occur post-merger, as its presence is hidden during the entirety of the inspiral. However, with a sufficiently strong coupling, we find that scalarization can occur before the remnant has even formed. We close with a discussion of observational implications for gravitational-wave tests of general relativity.