Enhancing Early Detection and Localization of Gravitational Waves via Eccentricity-Induced Higher Harmonic Modes with 2G Detector Networks

TL;DR

This study shows that eccentricity-induced higher harmonic modes in gravitational waves can significantly improve early detection and localization in 2G detector networks, enabling earlier multi-messenger observations.

Contribution

First theoretical analysis demonstrating how eccentricity-induced higher harmonics enhance early GW detection and localization in 2G detectors.

Findings

Eccentricity of 0.4 at 10 Hz allows detection 12 minutes before merger.

Localization within 1000 deg^2 achievable 5 minutes before merger.

Higher harmonics improve early warning times by several minutes.

Abstract

Early detection and localization of gravitational waves (GWs) are essential for identifying electromagnetic (EM) counterparts, playing a key role in multi-messenger astronomy. However, second-generation (2G) ground-based detectors are most sensitive to frequencies of tens to hundreds of hertz, limiting the in-band duration of GW signals to $\mathcal{O}(0.1)$ to several tens of seconds. This constraint hinders early-warning capabilities and early localization. We present the first theoretical study on how eccentricity-induced higher harmonic modes, which enters the detector band significantly earlier than the dominant mode, enhance early detection and localization in a 2G detector network. By decomposing each harmonic mode in the frequency domain and tracking their sequential entry into the detector band, we analyze the evolution of the average signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and localization accuracy as functions of time-to-merger. For a GW170817-like BNS, an eccentricity of $e_0=0.4$ at 10 Hz allows the signal to reach SNR 4 and the detection threshold of SNR 8 approximately 12 and 5 minutes before merger, respectively-gains of 4.5 and 1.5 minutes over the circular case. Localization within $1000 \, (100)\,\rm deg^2$ is achievable 5 (1) minutes before merger, improving by 2 minutes (15 seconds). Our results highlight the potential of eccentricity-induced higher harmonics in improving early warnings and localization, particularly for BNS mergers, enhancing the prospects for multi-messenger astronomy.