Gravitational wave signatures of departures from classical black hole scattering

TL;DR

This paper explores how potential quantum modifications to black hole scattering could produce detectable signatures in gravitational wave signals, proposing a model-independent parameterization and analyzing observational sensitivities.

Contribution

It introduces a new parameterization for quantum-induced corrections to black hole scattering and assesses their impact on gravitational wave signals from inspiraling bodies.

Findings

Corrections can significantly alter energy emission rates.

Inspiral signals can be more sensitive to small corrections over many orbits.

Preliminary estimates suggest future observations could detect these effects.

Abstract

We initiate a general investigation into gravitational wave signatures of modifications to scattering of gravitational radiation from black holes. Such modifications may be present due to the quantum dynamics that makes black holes consistent with quantum mechanics, or in other models for departures from classical black hole behavior. We propose a parameterization of the corrections to scattering as a physically meaningful, model-independent, and practical bridge between theoretical and observational aspects of the problem; this parameterization can incorporate different models in the literature. We then describe how these corrections influence the gravitational wave signal, e.g. of a body orbiting a much more massive black hole. In particular, they generically change the rate of energy emission; this effect can be leveraged over many orbits of inspiral to enhance the sensitivity to small corrections, as has been noticed in simple models. We provide preliminary estimates of the sensitivity of future gravitational wave observations to these corrections, and outline further work to be done to connect both to a more fundamental theory of quantum black holes, and to realistic observational situations.