Popcorn EMRIs: Transient Gravitational Wave Signals and Their Analysis in Schwartz Space

TL;DR

This paper models and analyzes transient gravitational wave signals called popcorn EMRIs, estimating their population, burst rate, and proposing a rigorous Fourier analysis framework to detect these isolated, highly eccentric inspiral events in the Milky Way.

Contribution

It introduces a steady-state analytical model for popcorn EMRIs and establishes a mathematically rigorous Fourier transform method for analyzing their transient signals.

Findings

Estimated 5 to 44 observable bursts per year in the Milky Way.

Low duty cycle (~10^-4) confirms signals are isolated transients.

Validated Fourier analysis approach preserves burst morphology.

Abstract

We investigate extreme-mass ratio inspirals (EMRIs) with orbital periods exceeding the observational timescale of mHz gravitational wave observatories. In their early, highly eccentric phases, these systems generate transient gravitational wave bursts during pericentre passages, separated by long quiescent intervals; we designate these signals ``popcorn EMRIs.'' We utilize a steady-state analytical model based on the continuity equation in phase space to estimate the population in a Milky Way-like galaxy. The normalization of this model is linked to the solution of the Fokker-Planck equation describing stellar relaxation. Adopting a conservative one-year observation baseline ($P>1$ year), we estimate the steady-state population of popcorn EMRIs. We forecast an observable burst rate of 5 to 44 events per year. The low duty cycle ($\sim 10^{-4}$) confirms their manifestation as isolated transients. Individual bursts from the Galactic Centre exhibit high detectability. Analyzing these intrinsically transient signals demands a rigorous mathematical framework, as standard windowing techniques distort burst morphology. We establish an analytical foundation using standard smoothing techniques commonly used in real analysis. This yields the mathematically correct definition for the Fourier transform of transient signals, justifying the use of the direct Fourier transform without ad hoc windowing and ensuring the integrity of spectral analysis.