Complete null data for a black hole collision

TL;DR

This paper constructs a sequence of numerical geometries for binary black hole horizons, aiding in the evolution of exterior spacetime, and explores various horizon configurations including limiting and non-trapped cases.

Contribution

It introduces a new sequence of numerically constructed horizon geometries that encompass both limiting and non-trapped scenarios for binary black holes.

Findings

Sequence approaches a Schwarzschild horizon in the limit

Includes cases with non-hidden crossover surfaces

Provides input for characteristic evolution of spacetime

Abstract

We discuss a sequence of numerically constructed geometries describing binary black hole event horizons -- providing the necessary input for characteristic evolution of the exterior spacetime. Our sequence approaches a single Schwarzschild horizon as one limiting case and also includes cases where the horizon's crossover surface is not hidden by a marginally anti-trapped surface (MATS).