Adiabatic evolution of asymmetric binaries on generic orbits with new fundamental fields I: characterization of gravitational wave fluxes

TL;DR

This paper models the scalar-field fluxes in asymmetric binary systems with generic orbits in extended gravity theories, aiding the development of precise gravitational wave templates for testing fundamental physics.

Contribution

It introduces a new computational framework for analyzing scalar fluxes in asymmetric binaries on generic orbits within extended gravity theories, enhancing waveform modeling capabilities.

Findings

Computed scalar fluxes at infinity and horizon for generic orbits

Analyzed harmonic structure dependence on orbital parameters

Developed a high-precision code for perturbation evolution

Abstract

We investigate the dynamics of asymmetric binaries in extensions of General Relativity featuring a massless scalar field non-minimally coupled to gravity, focusing on the interplay between eccentricity and inclination in fully generic bound orbits. Building on an effective field theory framework tailored to extreme- and intermediate-mass-ratio inspirals, we compute scalar-field perturbations using a new arbitrary-precision C++ code capable of evolving perturbations along generic Kerr geodesics, STORM. We investigate the complete set of scalar fluxes at infinity and through the horizon across the relevant parameter space and analyze their harmonic structure as a function of orbital geometry and black-hole spin. Our results advance ongoing efforts to construct accurate waveform models for asymmetric binaries beyond GR and lay the groundwork for precision tests of fundamental physics with next-generation gravitational-wave detectors.