Gravitational-wave astronomy and fundamental physics with charged black holes
- Gabriele Bozzola, University of Arizona
Charge (electric, magnetic, or any U(1) charge) is a parameter often neglected in simulations of black holes. As a result, little is known about the dynamics of charged binaries. In this talk, I will highlight the importance of understanding the non-linear interaction of charged black holes for astrophysics and fundamental physics. I will show results from fully self-consistent general-relativistic simulations of merging black holes, touching upon the challenges faced in performing such calculations and the improvements that enabled successful long-term evolution. I will discuss general features of quasi-circular inspirals, and present constraints on the charge of astrophysical black holes and deviation from general relativity obtained from the gravitational-wave event GW150914. Finally, I will highlight the relevance of this line of research in the context of the upcoming gravitational-wave detectors.
Zoom link: https://pitp.zoom.us/j/93809443805?pwd=bmcvd3NZWjUraERBcGdtL2Y3WTl6QT09