Convection signatures in early-time gravitational waves from core-collapse supernovae

TL;DR

This study investigates how early gravitational wave signals from core-collapse supernovae are influenced by progenitor rotation and magnetic fields, revealing convection-driven signals often surpass bounce signals in strength.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the impact of magnetic fields and rotation on early gravitational wave signatures using axisymmetric simulations.

Findings

Early post-bounce signals are dominated by intrinsic mode functions.

Magnetic fields influence core rotation and mode excitation.

Prompt convection can produce signals as strong or stronger than bounce signals.

Abstract

Gravitational waves emitted from core-collapse supernova explosions are critical observables for extracting information about the dynamics and properties of both the progenitor and the post-bounce~evolution of the system. They are prime targets for current interferometric searches and represent a key milestone for the capabilities of next-generation interferometers. This study aims to characterize how the gravitational waveform associated with prompt stellar convection depends on the rotational rate and magnetic field topology of the progenitor star. We carry out a series of axisymmetric simulations of a $16.5\,\mathrm{M}_\odot$ red supergiant with five configurations of initial magnetic fields and varying degrees of initial rotation. We then analyze the contribution of early-time convection and the proto-neutron star core to the waveform using ensemble empirical mode decomposition, alongside spectral and Fourier analyses, to facilitate comparison and interpretation of the results. Our simulations reveal that early post-bounce gravitational waves signals are dominated by the first six intrinsic mode functions, with variations due to rotation and magnetic fields influencing the signal strength. Strong magnetic fields decelerate core rotation, affecting mode excitation. Regardless of the initial rotation, convection consistently drives a low-frequency mode that lasts throughout the evolution. Additionally, our results show that the bounce signal is not consistently the strongest component of the waveform. Instead, we find that prompt convection generates a post-bounce signal of comparable or even greater amplitude.