Showing 1–50 of 71 results for author: Jetzer, P

Terrestrial Very-Long-Baseline Atom Interferometry: Summary of the Second Workshop

Authors: Adam Abdalla, Mahiro Abe, Sven Abend, Mouine Abidi, Monika Aidelsburger, Ashkan Alibabaei, Baptiste Allard, John Antoniadis, Gianluigi Arduini, Nadja Augst, Philippos Balamatsias, Antun Balaz, Hannah Banks, Rachel L. Barcklay, Michele Barone, Michele Barsanti, Mark G. Bason, Angelo Bassi, Jean-Baptiste Bayle, Charles F. A. Baynham, Quentin Beaufils, Slyan Beldjoudi, Aleksandar Belic, Shayne Bennetts, Jose Bernabeu , et al. (285 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This summary of the second Terrestrial Very-Long-Baseline Atom Interferometry (TVLBAI) Workshop provides a comprehensive overview of our meeting held in London in April 2024, building on the initial discussions during the inaugural workshop held at CERN in March 2023. Like the summary of the first workshop, this document records a critical milestone for the international atom interferometry commun… ▽ More This summary of the second Terrestrial Very-Long-Baseline Atom Interferometry (TVLBAI) Workshop provides a comprehensive overview of our meeting held in London in April 2024, building on the initial discussions during the inaugural workshop held at CERN in March 2023. Like the summary of the first workshop, this document records a critical milestone for the international atom interferometry community. It documents our concerted efforts to evaluate progress, address emerging challenges, and refine strategic directions for future large-scale atom interferometry projects. Our commitment to collaboration is manifested by the integration of diverse expertise and the coordination of international resources, all aimed at advancing the frontiers of atom interferometry physics and technology, as set out in a Memorandum of Understanding signed by over 50 institutions. △ Less

Submitted 19 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: Summary of the second Terrestrial Very-Long-Baseline Atom Interferometry Workshop held at Imperial College London: https://indico.cern.ch/event/1369392/

Quadrupolar power radiation by a binary system in a hyperbolic encounter on de Sitter background

Authors: Michael Blanc, Philippe Jetzer, Shubhanshu Tiwari

Abstract: The present cosmological model and the surveys favor the universe with a small but positive cosmological constant $Λ$, which accounts for dark energy and causes an exponential expansion. This can have observational consequences in the current detection of gravitational waves, as most of the waveforms for gravitational radiation are computed assuming a flat (Minkowski) background. In this work, we… ▽ More The present cosmological model and the surveys favor the universe with a small but positive cosmological constant $Λ$, which accounts for dark energy and causes an exponential expansion. This can have observational consequences in the current detection of gravitational waves, as most of the waveforms for gravitational radiation are computed assuming a flat (Minkowski) background. In this work, we compute gravitational radiation within the quadrupole approximation on positive $Λ$ (de Sitter) background for a binary system interacting gravitationally through a hyperbolic encounter. We quantify the influence of the cosmological constant on the radiated energy as small corrections to the leading order Minkowski background results. The first order de Sitter background correction is of the order $\sqrtΛ$, and is thus extremely small. Therefore, the cosmological constant influence on the gravitational radiation is negligible and may not be detected with the existing or planned gravitational wave detectors. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: Submitted to Classical and Quantum gravity

Precision measurements of the magnetic parameters of LISA Pathfinder test masses

Authors: M Armano, H Audley, J Baird, P Binetruy, M Born, D Bortoluzzi, E Castelli, A Cavalleri, A Cesarini, A M Cruise, K Danzmann, M De Deus Silva, I Diepholz, G Dixon, R Dolesi, L Ferraioli, V Ferroni, E D Fitzsimons, M Freschi, L Gesa, D Giardini, F Gibert, R Giusteri, C Grimani, J Grzymisch , et al. (54 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: A precise characterization of the magnetic properties of LISA Pathfinder free falling test-masses is of special interest for future gravitational wave observatory in space. Magnetic forces have an important impact on the instrument sensitivity in the low frequency regime below the millihertz. In this paper we report on the magnetic injection experiments performed throughout LISA Pathfinder operati… ▽ More A precise characterization of the magnetic properties of LISA Pathfinder free falling test-masses is of special interest for future gravitational wave observatory in space. Magnetic forces have an important impact on the instrument sensitivity in the low frequency regime below the millihertz. In this paper we report on the magnetic injection experiments performed throughout LISA Pathfinder operations. We show how these experiments allowed a high precision estimate of the instrument magnetic parameters. The remanent magnetic moment was found to have a modulus of $(0.245\pm0.081)\,\rm{nAm}^2$, the x-component of the background magnetic field within the test masses position was measured to be $(414 \pm 74)$ nT and its gradient had a value of $(-7.4\pm 2.1)\,μ$T/m. Finally, we also measured the test mass magnetic susceptibility to be $(-3.35\pm0.15)\times$10$^{-5}$ in the low frequency regime. All results are in agreement with on-ground estimates. △ Less

Submitted 5 November, 2024; v1 submitted 5 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Magnetic-induced force noise in LISA Pathfinder free-falling test masses

Authors: M Armano, H Audley, J Baird, P Binetruy, M Born, D Bortoluzzi, E Castelli, A Cavalleri, A Cesarini, A M Cruise, K Danzmann, M De Deus Silva, I Diepholz, G Dixon, R Dolesi, L Ferraioli, V Ferroni, E D Fitzsimons, M Freschi, L Gesa, D Giardini, F Gibert, R Giusteri, C Grimani, J Grzymisch , et al. (54 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: LISA Pathfinder was a mission designed to test key technologies required for gravitational wave detection in space. Magnetically driven forces play a key role in the instrument sensitivity in the low-frequency regime, which corresponds to the measurement band of interest for future space-borne gravitational wave observatories. Magnetic-induced forces couple to the test mass motion, introducing a c… ▽ More LISA Pathfinder was a mission designed to test key technologies required for gravitational wave detection in space. Magnetically driven forces play a key role in the instrument sensitivity in the low-frequency regime, which corresponds to the measurement band of interest for future space-borne gravitational wave observatories. Magnetic-induced forces couple to the test mass motion, introducing a contribution to the relative acceleration noise between the free falling test masses. In this Letter we present the first complete estimate of this term of the instrument performance model. Our results set the magnetic-induced acceleration noise during the February 2017 noise run of $\rm 0.25_{-0.08}^{+0.15}\,fm\,s^{-2}/\sqrt{Hz}$ at 1 mHz and $\rm 1.01_{-0.24}^{+0.73}\, fm\,s^{-2}/\sqrt{Hz}$ at 0.1 mHz. We also discuss how the non-stationarities of the interplanetary magnetic field can affect these values during extreme space weather conditions. △ Less

Submitted 5 November, 2024; v1 submitted 5 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

LISA Definition Study Report

Authors: Monica Colpi, Karsten Danzmann, Martin Hewitson, Kelly Holley-Bockelmann, Philippe Jetzer, Gijs Nelemans, Antoine Petiteau, David Shoemaker, Carlos Sopuerta, Robin Stebbins, Nial Tanvir, Henry Ward, William Joseph Weber, Ira Thorpe, Anna Daurskikh, Atul Deep, Ignacio Fernández Núñez, César García Marirrodriga, Martin Gehler, Jean-Philippe Halain, Oliver Jennrich, Uwe Lammers, Jonan Larrañaga, Maike Lieser, Nora Lützgendorf , et al. (86 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is the first scientific endeavour to detect and study gravitational waves from space. LISA will survey the sky for Gravitational Waves in the 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz frequency band which will enable the study of a vast number of objects ranging from Galactic binaries and stellar mass black holes in the Milky Way, to distant massive black-hole mergers and the e… ▽ More The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is the first scientific endeavour to detect and study gravitational waves from space. LISA will survey the sky for Gravitational Waves in the 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz frequency band which will enable the study of a vast number of objects ranging from Galactic binaries and stellar mass black holes in the Milky Way, to distant massive black-hole mergers and the expansion of the Universe. This definition study report, or Red Book, presents a summary of the very large body of work that has been undertaken on the LISA mission over the LISA definition phase. △ Less

Submitted 12 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 155 pages, with executive summary and table of contents

Efficient prescription to search for linear gravitational wave memory from hyperbolic black hole encounters and its application to the NANOGrav 12.5-year dataset

Authors: Subhajit Dandapat, Abhimanyu Susobhanan, Lankeswar Dey, A. Gopakumar, Paul T. Baker, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: Burst with memory events are potential transient gravitational wave sources for the maturing pulsar timing array (PTA) efforts. We provide a computationally efficient prescription to model pulsar timing residuals induced by supermassive black hole pairs in general relativistic hyperbolic trajectories employing a Keplerian-type parametric solution. Injection studies have been pursued on the resulti… ▽ More Burst with memory events are potential transient gravitational wave sources for the maturing pulsar timing array (PTA) efforts. We provide a computationally efficient prescription to model pulsar timing residuals induced by supermassive black hole pairs in general relativistic hyperbolic trajectories employing a Keplerian-type parametric solution. Injection studies have been pursued on the resulting bursts with linear GW memory (LGWM) events with simulated datasets to test the performance of our pipeline, followed by its application to the publicly available NANOGrav 12.5-year (NG12.5) dataset. Given the absence of any evidence of LGWM events within the real NG12.5 dataset, we impose $95\%$ upper limits on the PTA signal amplitude as a function of the sky location of the source and certain characteristic frequency ($n$) of the signal. The upper limits are computed using a signal model that takes into account the presence of intrinsic timing noise specific to each pulsar, as well as a common, spatially uncorrelated red noise, alongside the LGWM signal. Our investigations reveal that the $95\%$ upper limits on LGWM amplitude, marginalized over all other parameters, is 3.48 $\pm 0.51 \ μ$s for $n>3.16$ nHz. This effort should be relevant for constraining both burst and memory events in the upcoming International Pulsar Timing Array data releases. △ Less

Submitted 16 May, 2024; v1 submitted 5 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 20 pages, 11 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 109, 103018, 2024

NanoNewton electrostatic force actuators for femtoNewton-sensitive measurements: system performance test in the LISA Pathfinder mission

Authors: M Armano, H Audley, J Baird, M Bassan, P Binetruy, M Born, D Bortoluzzi, E Castelli, A Cavalleri, A Cesarini, V Chiavegato, A M Cruise, D Dal Bosco, K Danzmann, M De Deus Silva, R De Rosa, L Di Fiore, I Diepholz, G Dixon, R Dolesi, L Ferraioli V Ferroni, E D Fitzsimons, M Freschi, L Gesa, D Giardini , et al. (65 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Electrostatic force actuation is a key component of the system of geodesic reference test masses (TM) for the LISA orbiting gravitational wave observatory and in particular for performance at low frequencies, below 1 mHz, where the observatory sensitivity is limited by stray force noise. The system needs to apply forces of order 10$^{-9}$ N while limiting fluctuations in the measurement band to le… ▽ More Electrostatic force actuation is a key component of the system of geodesic reference test masses (TM) for the LISA orbiting gravitational wave observatory and in particular for performance at low frequencies, below 1 mHz, where the observatory sensitivity is limited by stray force noise. The system needs to apply forces of order 10$^{-9}$ N while limiting fluctuations in the measurement band to levels approaching 10$^{-15}$ N/Hz$^{1/2}$. We present here the LISA actuation system design, based on audio-frequency voltage carrier signals, and results of its in-flight performance test with the LISA Pathfinder test mission. In LISA, TM force actuation is used to align the otherwise free-falling TM to the spacecraft-mounted optical metrology system, without any forcing along the critical gravitational wave-sensitive interferometry axes. In LISA Pathfinder, on the other hand, the actuation was used also to stabilize the TM along the critical $x$ axis joining the two TM, with the commanded actuation force entering directly into the mission's main differential acceleration science observable. The mission allowed demonstration of the full compatibility of the electrostatic actuation system with the LISA observatory requirements, including dedicated measurement campaigns to amplify, isolate, and quantify the two main force noise contributions from the actuation system, from actuator gain noise and from low frequency ``in band'' voltage fluctuations. These campaigns have shown actuation force noise to be a relevant, but not dominant, noise source in LISA Pathfinder and have allowed performance projections for the conditions expected in the LISA mission. △ Less

Submitted 30 December, 2023; originally announced January 2024.

Search for hyperbolic encounters of compact objects in the third LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run

Authors: Sophie Bini, Shubhanshu Tiwari, Yumeng Xu, Leigh Smith, Michael Ebersold, Giacomo Principe, Maria Haney, Philippe Jetzer, Giovanni A. Prodi

Abstract: Gravitational-wave (GW) observations provide unique information about compact objects. As detectors sensitivity increases, new astrophysical sources of GW could emerge. Close hyperbolic encounters are one such source class: scattering of stellar mass compact objects is expected to manifest as GW burst signals in the frequency band of current detectors. We present the search for GW from hyperbolic… ▽ More Gravitational-wave (GW) observations provide unique information about compact objects. As detectors sensitivity increases, new astrophysical sources of GW could emerge. Close hyperbolic encounters are one such source class: scattering of stellar mass compact objects is expected to manifest as GW burst signals in the frequency band of current detectors. We present the search for GW from hyperbolic encounters in the second half of the third Advanced LIGO-Virgo observing run (O3b). We perform a model-informed search with machine-learning enhanced Coherent WaveBurst algorithm. No significant event has been identified in addition to known detections of compact binary coalescences. We inject in the O3b data non-spinning third Post-Newtonian order accurate hyperbolic encounter model with component masses between [2, 100] $M_{\odot}$, impact parameter in [60, 100] ${GM}/{c^2}$ and eccentricity in [1.05, 1.6]. We further discuss the properties of the simulation recovered. For the first time, we report the sensitivity volume achieved for such sources, which for O3b data reaches up to 3.9$\pm 1.4 \times 10^5$ Mpc$^3$year for compact objects with masses between [20, 40] $M_{\odot}$, corresponding to a rate density upper limit of 0.589$\pm$0.094 $\times10^{-5}$Mpc$^{-3}$year$^{-1}$. Finally, we present projected sensitive volume for the next observing runs of current detectors, namely O4 and O5. △ Less

Submitted 5 February, 2024; v1 submitted 11 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 11 pages, 9 figures

Waveform Modelling for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

Authors: LISA Consortium Waveform Working Group, Niayesh Afshordi, Sarp Akçay, Pau Amaro Seoane, Andrea Antonelli, Josu C. Aurrekoetxea, Leor Barack, Enrico Barausse, Robert Benkel, Laura Bernard, Sebastiano Bernuzzi, Emanuele Berti, Matteo Bonetti, Béatrice Bonga, Gabriele Bozzola, Richard Brito, Alessandra Buonanno, Alejandro Cárdenas-Avendaño, Marc Casals, David F. Chernoff, Alvin J. K. Chua, Katy Clough, Marta Colleoni, Mekhi Dhesi, Adrien Druart , et al. (121 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, will usher in a new era in gravitational-wave astronomy. As the first anticipated space-based gravitational-wave detector, it will expand our view to the millihertz gravitational-wave sky, where a spectacular variety of interesting new sources abound: from millions of ultra-compact binaries in our Galaxy, to mergers of massive black holes at cosmologic… ▽ More LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, will usher in a new era in gravitational-wave astronomy. As the first anticipated space-based gravitational-wave detector, it will expand our view to the millihertz gravitational-wave sky, where a spectacular variety of interesting new sources abound: from millions of ultra-compact binaries in our Galaxy, to mergers of massive black holes at cosmological distances; from the beginnings of inspirals that will venture into the ground-based detectors' view to the death spiral of compact objects into massive black holes, and many sources in between. Central to realising LISA's discovery potential are waveform models, the theoretical and phenomenological predictions of the pattern of gravitational waves that these sources emit. This white paper is presented on behalf of the Waveform Working Group for the LISA Consortium. It provides a review of the current state of waveform models for LISA sources, and describes the significant challenges that must yet be overcome. △ Less

Submitted 20 December, 2023; v1 submitted 2 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 239 pages, 11 figures, white paper from the LISA Consortium Waveform Working Group, invited for submission to Living Reviews in Relativity, updated with comments from community

STE-QUEST -- Space Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence principle Space Test: The 2022 medium-class mission concept

Authors: Naceur Gaaloul, Holger Ahlers, Leonardo Badurina, Angelo Bassi, Baptiste Battelier, Quentin Beaufils, Kai Bongs, Philippe Bouyer, Claus Braxmaier, Oliver Buchmueller, Matteo Carlesso, Eric Charron, Maria Luisa Chiofalo, Robin Corgier, Sandro Donadi, Fabien Droz, John Ellis, Frédéric Estève, Enno Giese, Jens Grosse, Aurélien Hees, Thomas A. Hensel, Waldemar Herr, Philippe Jetzer, Gina Kleinsteinberg , et al. (23 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Space-borne quantum technologies, particularly those based on atom interferometry, are heralding a new era of strategic and robust space exploration. The unique conditions of space, characterized by low noise and low gravity environments, open up diverse possibilities for applications ranging from precise time and frequency transfer to Earth Observation and the search of new Physics. In this paper… ▽ More Space-borne quantum technologies, particularly those based on atom interferometry, are heralding a new era of strategic and robust space exploration. The unique conditions of space, characterized by low noise and low gravity environments, open up diverse possibilities for applications ranging from precise time and frequency transfer to Earth Observation and the search of new Physics. In this paper, we summarise the M-class mission proposal in response to the 2022 call in ESA's science program: Space-Time Explorer and Quantum Equivalence Principle Space Test (STE-QUEST). It consists in a satellite mission featuring a dual-species atom interferometer operating over extended durations. This mission aims to tackle three of the most fundamental questions in Physics: (i) testing the universality of free fall with an accuracy better than one part in $10^{-17}$, (ii) exploring various forms of Ultra-Light Dark Matter, and (iii) scrutinizing the foundations of Quantum Mechanics. △ Less

Submitted 19 May, 2025; v1 submitted 28 November, 2022; originally announced November 2022.

Comments: As submitted to the M7 call in July 2022, except updated for the recent (Sept. 2022) MICROSCOPE results, and findings presented in arXiv:2310.04212; reformatted for journal publication

New Horizons for Fundamental Physics with LISA

Authors: K. G. Arun, Enis Belgacem, Robert Benkel, Laura Bernard, Emanuele Berti, Gianfranco Bertone, Marc Besancon, Diego Blas, Christian G. Böhmer, Richard Brito, Gianluca Calcagni, Alejandro Cardenas-Avendaño, Katy Clough, Marco Crisostomi, Valerio De Luca, Daniela Doneva, Stephanie Escoffier, Jose Maria Ezquiaga, Pedro G. Ferreira, Pierre Fleury, Stefano Foffa, Gabriele Franciolini, Noemi Frusciante, Juan García-Bellido, Carlos Herdeiro , et al. (116 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) has the potential to reveal wonders about the fundamental theory of nature at play in the extreme gravity regime, where the gravitational interaction is both strong and dynamical. In this white paper, the Fundamental Physics Working Group of the LISA Consortium summarizes the current topics in fundamental physics where LISA observations of GWs can be e… ▽ More The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) has the potential to reveal wonders about the fundamental theory of nature at play in the extreme gravity regime, where the gravitational interaction is both strong and dynamical. In this white paper, the Fundamental Physics Working Group of the LISA Consortium summarizes the current topics in fundamental physics where LISA observations of GWs can be expected to provide key input. We provide the briefest of reviews to then delineate avenues for future research directions and to discuss connections between this working group, other working groups and the consortium work package teams. These connections must be developed for LISA to live up to its science potential in these areas. △ Less

Submitted 3 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Comments: Accepted in: Living Reviews in Relativity

MSC Class: 83CXX

Cold Atoms in Space: Community Workshop Summary and Proposed Road-Map

Authors: Ivan Alonso, Cristiano Alpigiani, Brett Altschul, Henrique Araujo, Gianluigi Arduini, Jan Arlt, Leonardo Badurina, Antun Balaz, Satvika Bandarupally, Barry C Barish Michele Barone, Michele Barsanti, Steven Bass, Angelo Bassi, Baptiste Battelier, Charles F. A. Baynham, Quentin Beaufils, Aleksandar Belic, Joel Berge, Jose Bernabeu, Andrea Bertoldi, Robert Bingham, Sebastien Bize, Diego Blas, Kai Bongs, Philippe Bouyer , et al. (224 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We summarize the discussions at a virtual Community Workshop on Cold Atoms in Space concerning the status of cold atom technologies, the prospective scientific and societal opportunities offered by their deployment in space, and the developments needed before cold atoms could be operated in space. The cold atom technologies discussed include atomic clocks, quantum gravimeters and accelerometers, a… ▽ More We summarize the discussions at a virtual Community Workshop on Cold Atoms in Space concerning the status of cold atom technologies, the prospective scientific and societal opportunities offered by their deployment in space, and the developments needed before cold atoms could be operated in space. The cold atom technologies discussed include atomic clocks, quantum gravimeters and accelerometers, and atom interferometers. Prospective applications include metrology, geodesy and measurement of terrestrial mass change due to, e.g., climate change, and fundamental science experiments such as tests of the equivalence principle, searches for dark matter, measurements of gravitational waves and tests of quantum mechanics. We review the current status of cold atom technologies and outline the requirements for their space qualification, including the development paths and the corresponding technical milestones, and identifying possible pathfinder missions to pave the way for missions to exploit the full potential of cold atoms in space. Finally, we present a first draft of a possible road-map for achieving these goals, that we propose for discussion by the interested cold atom, Earth Observation, fundamental physics and other prospective scientific user communities, together with ESA and national space and research funding agencies. △ Less

Submitted 19 January, 2022; originally announced January 2022.

Comments: Summary of the Community Workshop on Cold Atoms in Space and corresponding Road-map: https://indico.cern.ch/event/1064855/

Journal ref: EPJ Quantum Technol. 9, 30 (2022)

Series expansion of the overlap reduction function for scalar and vector polarizations for gravitational wave search with pulsar timing arrays

Authors: Adrian Boîtier, Tanguy Giroud, Shubhanshu Tiwari, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: In our previous work \cite{PTA2} we calculated the overlap reduction function for the tensor polarization without employing the short wavelength approximation, this was done by obtaining a power series of nested sums which is valid for all gravitational wave frequencies and pulsar distances. In this work we generalize the power-series expansion method to vector and scalar polarizations. We have co… ▽ More In our previous work \cite{PTA2} we calculated the overlap reduction function for the tensor polarization without employing the short wavelength approximation, this was done by obtaining a power series of nested sums which is valid for all gravitational wave frequencies and pulsar distances. In this work we generalize the power-series expansion method to vector and scalar polarizations. We have compared our expression for the breathing and vector modes with previous literature. We present for the first time analytic expressions for the overlap reduction function of the longitudinal mode for all angles between the pulsar pairs. △ Less

Submitted 24 November, 2021; originally announced November 2021.

Quantum gravity phenomenology at the dawn of the multi-messenger era -- A review

Authors: A. Addazi, J. Alvarez-Muniz, R. Alves Batista, G. Amelino-Camelia, V. Antonelli, M. Arzano, M. Asorey, J. -L. Atteia, S. Bahamonde, F. Bajardi, A. Ballesteros, B. Baret, D. M. Barreiros, S. Basilakos, D. Benisty, O. Birnholtz, J. J. Blanco-Pillado, D. Blas, J. Bolmont, D. Boncioli, P. Bosso, G. Calcagni, S. Capozziello, J. M. Carmona, S. Cerci , et al. (135 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The exploration of the universe has recently entered a new era thanks to the multi-messenger paradigm, characterized by a continuous increase in the quantity and quality of experimental data that is obtained by the detection of the various cosmic messengers (photons, neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves) from numerous origins. They give us information about their sources in the universe… ▽ More The exploration of the universe has recently entered a new era thanks to the multi-messenger paradigm, characterized by a continuous increase in the quantity and quality of experimental data that is obtained by the detection of the various cosmic messengers (photons, neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves) from numerous origins. They give us information about their sources in the universe and the properties of the intergalactic medium. Moreover, multi-messenger astronomy opens up the possibility to search for phenomenological signatures of quantum gravity. On the one hand, the most energetic events allow us to test our physical theories at energy regimes which are not directly accessible in accelerators; on the other hand, tiny effects in the propagation of very high energy particles could be amplified by cosmological distances. After decades of merely theoretical investigations, the possibility of obtaining phenomenological indications of Planck-scale effects is a revolutionary step in the quest for a quantum theory of gravity, but it requires cooperation between different communities of physicists (both theoretical and experimental). This review is aimed at promoting this cooperation by giving a state-of-the art account of the interdisciplinary expertise that is needed in the effective search of quantum gravity footprints in the production, propagation and detection of cosmic messengers. △ Less

Submitted 29 March, 2022; v1 submitted 10 November, 2021; originally announced November 2021.

Comments: This review was written by participants of the COST Action CA18108. Further information on the review can be found at https://qg-mm.unizar.es/review/, updated to published version

Journal ref: Progress in Particle and Nuclear Physics, Volume 125, July 2022, 103948

Analytic series expansion of the overlap reduction function for gravitational wave search with pulsar timing arrays

Authors: Adrian Boîtier, Shubhanshu Tiwari, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: In our previous paper \cite{PTA1} we derived a generic expression for the pulse redshift the main observable for the Pulsar Timing Array (PTA) experiment for detection of gravitational waves for all possible polarizations induced by modifications of general relativity (GR). In this work we provide a generic expression of the overlap reduction function for PTA without using the short wavelength app… ▽ More In our previous paper \cite{PTA1} we derived a generic expression for the pulse redshift the main observable for the Pulsar Timing Array (PTA) experiment for detection of gravitational waves for all possible polarizations induced by modifications of general relativity (GR). In this work we provide a generic expression of the overlap reduction function for PTA without using the short wavelength approximation for tensorial polarization. We are convinced, that the short wavelength approximation is not applicable to the overlap reduction function for PTA's, since the removal of the exponential terms in the integrand would lead to poles for $x, y$ and $l$ polarizations and discontinuities for $+$ and $\times$. In this work we provide a series expansion to calculate the integral exactly and investigate the behaviour of the series for short wavelength values via numerical evaluation of the analytical series. We find a disagreement for the limit of co-located pulsars with the Hellings \& Downs curve. △ Less

Submitted 10 March, 2021; v1 submitted 26 November, 2020; originally announced November 2020.

Comments: Supplemental material is attached in the main text and Mathematica notebooks are also attached in the source

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 103, 064044 (2021)

Pulse redshift of pulsar timing array signals for all possible gravitational wave polarizations in modified general relativity

Authors: Adrian Boîtier, Shubhanshu Tiwari, Lionel Philippoz, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: Pulsar timing arrays (PTA) have the promise to detect gravitational waves (GWs) from sources which are in a unique frequency range of 10^-9 - 10^-6 Hz. This in turn also provides an opportunity to test the theory of general relativity in the low frequency regime. The central concept of the detection of GWs with PTA lies in measuring the time of arrival difference of the pulsar signal due to the pa… ▽ More Pulsar timing arrays (PTA) have the promise to detect gravitational waves (GWs) from sources which are in a unique frequency range of 10^-9 - 10^-6 Hz. This in turn also provides an opportunity to test the theory of general relativity in the low frequency regime. The central concept of the detection of GWs with PTA lies in measuring the time of arrival difference of the pulsar signal due to the passing of GWs i.e. the pulses get red-shifted. In this paper we provide a complete derivation of the redshift computation for all six possible polarizations of GW which arise due to the modifcations to general relativity. We discuss the smoothness of the redshift and related properties at the critical point, where the GW source lies directly behind the pulsar. From our mathematical discussion we conclude that the redshift has to be split differently into polarization part (pattern functions) and interference part, to avoid discontinuities and singularities in the pattern functions. This choice of pattern functions agrees with the formula one uses for interferometers with a single detector arm. Finally, we provide a general expression which can in principle be used for pulsars and GW of any frequency without invoking the low frequency assumption and using said assumption we develop the expression up to first order in the strain and find correction terms to the canonical redshift formula. △ Less

Submitted 28 August, 2020; originally announced August 2020.

Comments: Accepted for publication in PRD

Prospects for Fundamental Physics with LISA

Authors: Enrico Barausse, Emanuele Berti, Thomas Hertog, Scott A. Hughes, Philippe Jetzer, Paolo Pani, Thomas P. Sotiriou, Nicola Tamanini, Helvi Witek, Kent Yagi, Nicolas Yunes, T. Abdelsalhin, A. Achucarro, K. V. Aelst, N. Afshordi, S. Akcay, L. Annulli, K. G. Arun, I. Ayuso, V. Baibhav, T. Baker, H. Bantilan, T. Barreiro, C. Barrera-Hinojosa, N. Bartolo , et al. (296 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: In this paper, which is of programmatic rather than quantitative nature, we aim to further delineate and sharpen the future potential of the LISA mission in the area of fundamental physics. Given the very broad range of topics that might be relevant to LISA, we present here a sample of what we view as particularly promising directions, based in part on the current research interests of the LISA sc… ▽ More In this paper, which is of programmatic rather than quantitative nature, we aim to further delineate and sharpen the future potential of the LISA mission in the area of fundamental physics. Given the very broad range of topics that might be relevant to LISA, we present here a sample of what we view as particularly promising directions, based in part on the current research interests of the LISA scientific community in the area of fundamental physics. We organize these directions through a "science-first" approach that allows us to classify how LISA data can inform theoretical physics in a variety of areas. For each of these theoretical physics classes, we identify the sources that are currently expected to provide the principal contribution to our knowledge, and the areas that need further development. The classification presented here should not be thought of as cast in stone, but rather as a fluid framework that is amenable to change with the flow of new insights in theoretical physics. △ Less

Submitted 27 April, 2020; v1 submitted 27 January, 2020; originally announced January 2020.

Comments: 22 pages, 1 figure, to appear in General Relativity and Gravitation

Journal ref: Gen.Rel.Grav. 52 (2020) 8, 81

A note on the gravitational wave energy spectrum of parabolic and hyperbolic encounters

Authors: Matthias Gröbner, Philippe Jetzer, Maria Haney, Shubhanshu Tiwari, Wako Ishibashi

Abstract: The first calculation of the frequency spectrum of gravitational wave mass quadrupole radiation for binaries on hyperbolic orbits was performed in arXiv:1207.5359. Some shortcomings of their derivation were pointed out, but there are still inaccuracies and supplements that we believe are worthwhile to communicate. In this note we provide a consistent and straightforward exposition of the frequency… ▽ More The first calculation of the frequency spectrum of gravitational wave mass quadrupole radiation for binaries on hyperbolic orbits was performed in arXiv:1207.5359. Some shortcomings of their derivation were pointed out, but there are still inaccuracies and supplements that we believe are worthwhile to communicate. In this note we provide a consistent and straightforward exposition of the frequency spectrum in the case of hyperbolic encounters and explicitly determine the parabolic limit, which was not possible with the previous treatments. △ Less

Submitted 15 January, 2020; originally announced January 2020.

Journal ref: Class. Quant. Grav. (2020)

The local dark sector. Probing gravitation's low-acceleration frontier and dark matter in the Solar System neighborhood

Authors: Joel Bergé, Laura Baudis, Philippe Brax, Sheng-wey Chiow, Bruno Christophe, Olivier Doré, Pierre Fayet, Aurélien Hees, Philippe Jetzer, Claus Lämmerzahl, Meike List, Gilles Métris, Martin Pernot-Borràs, Justin Read, Serge Reynaud, Jason Rhodes, Benny Rievers, Manuel Rodrigues, Timothy Sumner, Jean-Philippe Uzan, Nan Yu

Abstract: We speculate on the development and availability of new innovative propulsion techniques in the 2040s, that will allow us to fly a spacecraft outside the Solar System (at 150 AU and more) in a reasonable amount of time, in order to directly probe our (gravitational) Solar System neighborhood and answer pressing questions regarding the dark sector (dark energy and dark matter). We identify two clos… ▽ More We speculate on the development and availability of new innovative propulsion techniques in the 2040s, that will allow us to fly a spacecraft outside the Solar System (at 150 AU and more) in a reasonable amount of time, in order to directly probe our (gravitational) Solar System neighborhood and answer pressing questions regarding the dark sector (dark energy and dark matter). We identify two closely related main science goals, as well as secondary objectives that could be fulfilled by a mission dedicated to probing the local dark sector: (i) begin the exploration of gravitation's low-acceleration regime with a man-made spacecraft and (ii) improve our knowledge of the local dark matter and baryon densities. Those questions can be answered by directly measuring the gravitational potential with an atomic clock on-board a spacecraft on an outbound Solar System orbit, and by comparing the spacecraft's trajectory with that predicted by General Relativity through the combination of ranging data and the in-situ measurement (and correction) of non-gravitational accelerations with an on-board accelerometer. Despite a wealth of new experiments getting online in the near future, that will bring new knowledge about the dark sector, it is very unlikely that those science questions will be closed in the next two decades. More importantly, it is likely that it will be even more urgent than currently to answer them. Tracking a spacecraft carrying a clock and an accelerometer as it leaves the Solar System may well be the easiest and fastest way to directly probe our dark environment. △ Less

Submitted 11 September, 2019; v1 submitted 2 September, 2019; originally announced September 2019.

Comments: White Paper submitted to ESA's Voyage 2050 call for papers. Reference updated

Journal ref: Experimental Astronomy (2021) 51:1737-1766

Gravitational-wave amplitudes for compact binaries in eccentric orbits at the third post-Newtonian order: Memory contributions

Authors: Michael Ebersold, Yannick Boetzel, Guillaume Faye, Chandra K. Mishra, Bala R. Iyer, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: We compute the non-linear memory contributions to the gravitational-wave amplitudes for compact binaries in eccentric orbits at the third post-Newtonian (3PN) order in general relativity. These contributions are hereditary in nature as they are sourced by gravitational waves emitted during the binary's entire dynamical past. Combining these with already available instantaneous and tail contributio… ▽ More We compute the non-linear memory contributions to the gravitational-wave amplitudes for compact binaries in eccentric orbits at the third post-Newtonian (3PN) order in general relativity. These contributions are hereditary in nature as they are sourced by gravitational waves emitted during the binary's entire dynamical past. Combining these with already available instantaneous and tail contributions we get the complete 3PN accurate gravitational waveform. △ Less

Submitted 21 October, 2019; v1 submitted 14 June, 2019; originally announced June 2019.

Comments: 22 pages

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 100, 084043 (2019)

Temperature stability in the sub-milliHertz band with LISA Pathfinder

Authors: M. Armano, H. Audley, J. Baird, P. Binetruy, M. Born, D. Bortoluzzi, E. Castelli, A. Cavalleri, A. Cesarini, A. M. Cruise, K. Danzmann, M. de Deus Silva, I. Diepholz, G. Dixon, R. Dolesi, L. Ferraioli, V. Ferroni, E. D. Fitzsimons, M. Freschi, L. Gesa, F. Gibert, D. Giardini, R. Giusteri, C. Grimani, J. Grzymisch , et al. (57 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: LISA Pathfinder (LPF) was a technology pioneering mission designed to test key technologies required for gravitational wave detection in space. In the low frequency regime (milli-Hertz and below), where space-based gravitational wave observatories will operate, temperature fluctuations play a crucial role since they can couple into the interferometric measurement and the test masses' free-fall acc… ▽ More LISA Pathfinder (LPF) was a technology pioneering mission designed to test key technologies required for gravitational wave detection in space. In the low frequency regime (milli-Hertz and below), where space-based gravitational wave observatories will operate, temperature fluctuations play a crucial role since they can couple into the interferometric measurement and the test masses' free-fall accuracy in many ways. A dedicated temperature measurement subsystem, with noise levels in 10$\,μ$K$\,$Hz$^{-1/2}$ down to $1\,$mHz was part of the diagnostics unit on board LPF. In this paper we report on the temperature measurements throughout mission operations, characterize the thermal environment, estimate transfer functions between different locations and report temperature stability (and its time evolution) at frequencies as low as 10$\,μ$Hz, where typically values around $1\,$K$\,$Hz$^{-1/2}$ were measured. △ Less

Submitted 22 May, 2019; originally announced May 2019.

Comments: 13 pages, 16 figures. MNRAS LaTeX style file version 3.0

Journal ref: Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc 486 (2019) no.3, 3368-3379

Astro2020 Science White Paper: Cosmology with a Space-Based Gravitational Wave Observatory

Authors: Robert Caldwell, Mustafa Amin, Craig Hogan, Kelly Holley-Bockelmann, Daniel Holz, Philippe Jetzer, Ely Kovetz, Priya Natarajan, David Shoemaker, Tristan Smith, Nicola Tamanini

Abstract: There are two big questions cosmologists would like to answer -- How does the Universe work, and what are its origin and destiny? A long wavelength gravitational wave detector -- with million km interferometer arms, achievable only from space -- gives a unique opportunity to address both of these questions. A sensitive, mHz frequency observatory could use the inspiral and merger of massive black h… ▽ More There are two big questions cosmologists would like to answer -- How does the Universe work, and what are its origin and destiny? A long wavelength gravitational wave detector -- with million km interferometer arms, achievable only from space -- gives a unique opportunity to address both of these questions. A sensitive, mHz frequency observatory could use the inspiral and merger of massive black hole binaries as standard sirens, extending our ability to characterize the expansion history of the Universe from the onset of dark energy-domination out to a redshift z ~ 10. A low-frequency detector, furthermore, offers the best chance for discovery of exotic gravitational wave sources, including a primordial stochastic background, that could reveal clues to the origin of our Universe. △ Less

Submitted 11 March, 2019; originally announced March 2019.

Comments: White Paper submitted on March 8, 2019 to Astro2020 (2020 Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics)

Gravitational wave polarization from combined Earth-space detectors

Authors: Lionel Philippoz, Adrian Boîtier, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the sensitivity to additional gravitational wave polarization modes of future detectors. We first look at the upcoming Einstein Telescope and its combination with existing or planned Earth-based detectors in the case of a stochastic gravitational wave background. We then study its correlation with a possible future space-borne detector sensitive to high-frequencies, l… ▽ More In this paper, we investigate the sensitivity to additional gravitational wave polarization modes of future detectors. We first look at the upcoming Einstein Telescope and its combination with existing or planned Earth-based detectors in the case of a stochastic gravitational wave background. We then study its correlation with a possible future space-borne detector sensitive to high-frequencies, like DECIGO. Finally, we adapt those results for a single GW source and establish the sensitivity of the modes, as well as the localization on the sky. △ Less

Submitted 24 July, 2018; originally announced July 2018.

Comments: 29 pages, 19 figures. Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. D

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 98, 044025 (2018)

Bending angle of light in equatorial plane of Kerr-Sen Black Hole

Authors: Rashmi Uniyal, Hemwati Nandan, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: We study the gravitational lensing by a Kerr-Sen Black Hole arising in heterotic string theory. A closed form expression for the bending angle of light in equatorial plane of Kerr-Sen Black Hole is derived as a function of impact parameter, spin and charge of the Black Hole. Results obtained are also compared with the corresponding cases of Kerr Black Hole in general relativity. It is observed tha… ▽ More We study the gravitational lensing by a Kerr-Sen Black Hole arising in heterotic string theory. A closed form expression for the bending angle of light in equatorial plane of Kerr-Sen Black Hole is derived as a function of impact parameter, spin and charge of the Black Hole. Results obtained are also compared with the corresponding cases of Kerr Black Hole in general relativity. It is observed that charge parameter behaves qualitatively similar as the spin parameter for photons travelling in direct orbits while behaves differently for photons in retrograde orbits around Black Hole. As the numerical value of the Black Hole charge increases, bending angle becomes larger in strong field limit. Further it is observed that this effect is more pronounced in case of direct orbits in comparison to the retro orbits. For both the direct and retro motion, the bending angle exceeds 2π, which in turn results in multiple loops and formation of relativistic images. △ Less

Submitted 23 May, 2018; v1 submitted 9 March, 2018; originally announced March 2018.

Comments: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:0907.5352 by other authors

Journal ref: Phys.Lett. B782 (2018) 185-192

Fourier domain gravitational waveforms for precessing eccentric binaries

Authors: Antoine Klein, Yannick Boetzel, Achamveedu Gopakumar, Philippe Jetzer, Lorenzo de Vittori

Abstract: We build two families of inspiral waveforms for precessing binaries on eccentric orbits in the Fourier domain. To achieve this, we use a small eccentricity expansion of the waveform amplitudes in order to separate the periastron precession timescale from the orbital timescale, and use a shifted uniform asymptotics transformation to compute the Fourier transform in the presence of spin-induced prec… ▽ More We build two families of inspiral waveforms for precessing binaries on eccentric orbits in the Fourier domain. To achieve this, we use a small eccentricity expansion of the waveform amplitudes in order to separate the periastron precession timescale from the orbital timescale, and use a shifted uniform asymptotics transformation to compute the Fourier transform in the presence of spin-induced precession. We show that the resulting waveforms can yield a median faithfulness above 0.993 when compared to an equivalent time domain waveform with an initial eccentricity of $e_0 \approx 0.3$. We also show that when the spins are large, using a circular waveform can potentially lead to significant biases in the recovery of the parameters, even when the system has fully circularized, particularly when the accumulated number of cycles is large. This is an effect of the residual eccentricity present when the objects forming the binary have nonvanishing spin components in the orbital plane. △ Less

Submitted 28 November, 2018; v1 submitted 25 January, 2018; originally announced January 2018.

Comments: 23 pages, 13 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 98, 104043 (2018)

Low-frequency Gravitational Wave Detection via Double Optical Clocks in Space

Authors: Jianfeng Su, Qiang Wang, Qinghua Wang, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: We propose a Doppler tracking system for gravitational wave detection via Double Optical Clocks in Space (DOCS). In this configuration two spacecrafts (each containing an optical clock) are launched to space for Doppler shift observations. Compared to the similar attempt of gravitational wave detection in the Cassini mission, the radio signal of DOCS that contains the relative frequency changes av… ▽ More We propose a Doppler tracking system for gravitational wave detection via Double Optical Clocks in Space (DOCS). In this configuration two spacecrafts (each containing an optical clock) are launched to space for Doppler shift observations. Compared to the similar attempt of gravitational wave detection in the Cassini mission, the radio signal of DOCS that contains the relative frequency changes avoids completely noise effects due for instance to troposphere, ionosphere, ground-based antenna and transponder. Given the high stabilities of the two optical clocks (Allan deviation $\sim 4.1\times 10^{-17}$ @ 1000 s), an overall estimated sensitivity of $5 \times 10^{-19}$ could be achieved with an observation time of 2 years, and would allow to detect gravitational waves in the frequency range from $\sim 10^{-4}$ Hz to $\sim 10^{-2}$ Hz. △ Less

Submitted 13 February, 2018; v1 submitted 21 November, 2017; originally announced November 2017.

Comments: 18 pages, 2 figures

Solving post-Newtonian accurate Kepler Equation

Authors: Yannick Boetzel, Abhimanyu Susobhanan, Achamveedu Gopakumar, Antoine Klein, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: We provide an elegant way of solving analytically the third post-Newtonian (3PN) accurate Kepler equation, associated with the 3PN-accurate generalized quasi-Keplerian parametrization for compact binaries in eccentric orbits. An additional analytic solution is presented to check the correctness of our compact solution and we perform comparisons between our PN-accurate analytic solution and a very… ▽ More We provide an elegant way of solving analytically the third post-Newtonian (3PN) accurate Kepler equation, associated with the 3PN-accurate generalized quasi-Keplerian parametrization for compact binaries in eccentric orbits. An additional analytic solution is presented to check the correctness of our compact solution and we perform comparisons between our PN-accurate analytic solution and a very accurate numerical solution of the PN-accurate Kepler equation. We adapt our approach to compute crucial 3PN-accurate inputs that will be required to compute analytically both the time and frequency domain ready-to-use amplitude-corrected PN-accurate search templates for compact binaries in inspiralling eccentric orbits. △ Less

Submitted 11 August, 2017; v1 submitted 7 July, 2017; originally announced July 2017.

Comments: 20 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 96, 044011 (2017)

Prospects for Measuring Planetary Spin and Frame-Dragging in Spacecraft Timing Signals

Authors: Andreas Schärer, Ruxandra Bondarescu, Prasenjit Saha, Raymond Angélil, Ravit Helled, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: Satellite tracking involves sending electromagnetic signals to Earth. Both the orbit of the spacecraft and the electromagnetic signals themselves are affected by the curvature of spacetime. The arrival time of the pulses is compared to the ticks of local clocks to reconstruct the orbital path of the satellite to high accuracy, and to implicitly measure general relativistic effects. In particular,… ▽ More Satellite tracking involves sending electromagnetic signals to Earth. Both the orbit of the spacecraft and the electromagnetic signals themselves are affected by the curvature of spacetime. The arrival time of the pulses is compared to the ticks of local clocks to reconstruct the orbital path of the satellite to high accuracy, and to implicitly measure general relativistic effects. In particular, Schwarzschild space curvature (static) and frame-dragging (stationary) due to the planet's spin affect the satellite's orbit. The dominant relativistic effect on the path of the signal photons is Shapiro delay due to static space curvature. We compute these effects for some current and proposed space missions, using a Hamiltonian formulation in four dimensions. For highly eccentric orbits, such as in the Juno mission and in the Cassini Grand Finale, the relativistic effects have a kick-like nature, which could be advantageous for detecting them if their signatures are properly modeled as functions of time. Frame-dragging appears, in principle, measurable by Juno and Cassini, though not by Galileo 5 and 6. Practical measurement would require disentangling frame-dragging from the Newtonian 'foreground' such as the gravitational quadrupole which has an impact on both the spacecraft's orbit and the signal propagation. The foreground problem remains to be solved. △ Less

Submitted 2 July, 2017; originally announced July 2017.

Comments: 10 pages, 6 figures, provisionally accepted for publication in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, section Fundamental Astronomy

Gravitational Wave Polarization Modes in $f(R)$ Theories

Authors: H. Rizwana Kausar, Lionel Philippoz, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: Many studies have been carried out in the literature to evaluate the number of polarization modes of gravitational waves in modified theories, in particular in $f(R)$ theories. In the latter ones, besides the usual two transverse-traceless tensor modes present in general relativity, there are two additional scalar ones: a massive longitudinal mode and a massless transverse mode (the so-called brea… ▽ More Many studies have been carried out in the literature to evaluate the number of polarization modes of gravitational waves in modified theories, in particular in $f(R)$ theories. In the latter ones, besides the usual two transverse-traceless tensor modes present in general relativity, there are two additional scalar ones: a massive longitudinal mode and a massless transverse mode (the so-called breathing mode). This last mode has often been overlooked in the literature, due to the assumption that the application of the Lorenz gauge implies transverse-traceless wave solutions. We however show that this is in general not possible and, in particular, that the traceless condition cannot be imposed due to the fact that we no longer have a Minkowski background metric. Our findings are in agreement with the results found using the Newman-Penrose formalism, and thus clarify the inconsistencies found so far in the literature. △ Less

Submitted 22 June, 2016; originally announced June 2016.

Comments: 7 pages; accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. D

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 93, 124071 (2016)

Effective-one-body Hamiltonian with next-to-leading order spin-spin coupling

Authors: Simone Balmelli, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: We propose a way of including the next-to-leading (NLO) order spin-spin coupling into an effective-one-body (EOB) Hamiltonian. This work extends [S. Balmelli and P. Jetzer, Phys. Rev. D 87, 124036 (2013)], which is restricted to the case of equatorial orbits and aligned spins, to general orbits with arbitrary spin orientations. This is done applying appropriate canonical phase-space transformation… ▽ More We propose a way of including the next-to-leading (NLO) order spin-spin coupling into an effective-one-body (EOB) Hamiltonian. This work extends [S. Balmelli and P. Jetzer, Phys. Rev. D 87, 124036 (2013)], which is restricted to the case of equatorial orbits and aligned spins, to general orbits with arbitrary spin orientations. This is done applying appropriate canonical phase-space transformations to the NLO spin-spin Hamiltonian in Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) coordinates, and systematically adding "effectiv" quantities at NLO to all spin-squared terms appearing in the EOB Hamiltonian. As required by consistency, the introduced quantities reduce to zero in the test- mass limit. We expose the result both in a general gauge and in a gauge-fixed form. The last is chosen such as to minimize the number of new coefficients that have to be inserted into the effective spin squared. As a result, the 25 parameters that describe the ADM NLO spin-spin dynamics get condensed into only 12 EOB terms. △ Less

Submitted 4 February, 2015; originally announced February 2015.

Comments: 12 pages, 1 figure. Submitted to Phys. Rev. D

Free-flight experiments in LISA Pathfinder

Authors: M. Armano, H. Audley, G. Auger, J. Baird, P. Binetruy, M. Born, D. Bortoluzzi, N. Brandt, A. Bursi, M. Caleno, A. Cavalleri, A. Cesarini, M. Cruise, C. Cutler, K. Danzmann, I. Diepholz, R. Dolesi, N. Dunbar, L. Ferraioli, V. Ferroni, E. Fitzsimons, M. Freschi, J. Gallegos, C. Garcia. Marirrodriga, R. Gerndt , et al. (67 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The LISA Pathfinder mission will demonstrate the technology of drag-free test masses for use as inertial references in future space-based gravitational wave detectors. To accomplish this, the Pathfinder spacecraft will perform drag-free flight about a test mass while measuring the acceleration of this primary test mass relative to a second reference test mass. Because the reference test mass is co… ▽ More The LISA Pathfinder mission will demonstrate the technology of drag-free test masses for use as inertial references in future space-based gravitational wave detectors. To accomplish this, the Pathfinder spacecraft will perform drag-free flight about a test mass while measuring the acceleration of this primary test mass relative to a second reference test mass. Because the reference test mass is contained within the same spacecraft, it is necessary to apply forces on it to maintain its position and attitude relative to the spacecraft. These forces are a potential source of acceleration noise in the LISA Pathfinder system that are not present in the full LISA configuration. While LISA Pathfinder has been designed to meet it's primary mission requirements in the presence of this noise, recent estimates suggest that the on-orbit performance may be limited by this `suspension noise'. The drift-mode or free-flight experiments provide an opportunity to mitigate this noise source and further characterize the underlying disturbances that are of interest to the designers of LISA-like instruments. This article provides a high-level overview of these experiments and the methods under development to analyze the resulting data. △ Less

Submitted 29 December, 2014; originally announced December 2014.

Comments: 13 pages, 5 figures. Accepted to Journal Of Physics, Conference Series. Presented at 10th International LISA Symposium, May 2014, Gainesville, FL, USA

Testing General Relativity and Alternative Theories of Gravity with Space-based Atomic Clocks and Atom Interferometers

Authors: Ruxandra Bondarescu, Andreas Schärer, Philippe Jetzer, Raymond Angélil, Prasenjit Saha, Andrew Lundgren

Abstract: The successful miniaturisation of extremely accurate atomic clocks and atom interferometers invites prospects for satellite missions to perform precision experiments. We discuss the effects predicted by general relativity and alternative theories of gravity that can be detected by a clock, which orbits the Earth. Our experiment relies on the precise tracking of the spacecraft using its observed ti… ▽ More The successful miniaturisation of extremely accurate atomic clocks and atom interferometers invites prospects for satellite missions to perform precision experiments. We discuss the effects predicted by general relativity and alternative theories of gravity that can be detected by a clock, which orbits the Earth. Our experiment relies on the precise tracking of the spacecraft using its observed tick-rate. The spacecraft's reconstructed four-dimensional trajectory will reveal the nature of gravitational perturbations in Earth's gravitational field, potentially differentiating between different theories of gravity. This mission can measure multiple relativistic effects all during the course of a single experiment, and constrain the Parametrized Post-Newtonian Parameters around the Earth. A satellite carrying a clock of fractional timing inaccuracy of $Δf/f \sim 10^{-16}$ in an elliptic orbit around the Earth would constrain the PPN parameters $|β-1|, |γ-1| \lesssim 10^{-6}$. We also briefly review potential constraints by atom interferometers on scalar tensor theories and in particular on Chameleon and dilaton models. △ Less

Submitted 5 December, 2014; originally announced December 2014.

Comments: 12 pages, 4 figures, 2 tables. Proceeding for ICNFP 2014

Journal ref: EPJ Web of Conferences 95, 02002 (2015)

Supermassive Black Hole Tests of General Relativity with eLISA

Authors: Cédric Huwyler, Edward K. Porter, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: Motivated by the parameterized post-Einsteinian (ppE) scheme devised by Yunes and Pretorius, which introduces corrections to the post-Newtonian coefficients of the frequency domain gravitational waveform in order to emulate alternative theories of gravity, we compute analytical time domain waveforms that, after a numerical Fourier transform, aim to represent (phase corrected only) ppE waveforms. I… ▽ More Motivated by the parameterized post-Einsteinian (ppE) scheme devised by Yunes and Pretorius, which introduces corrections to the post-Newtonian coefficients of the frequency domain gravitational waveform in order to emulate alternative theories of gravity, we compute analytical time domain waveforms that, after a numerical Fourier transform, aim to represent (phase corrected only) ppE waveforms. In this formalism, alternative theories manifest themselves via corrections to the phase and frequency, as predicted by General Relativity (GR), at different post-Newtonian (PN) orders. In order to present a generic test of alternative theories of gravity, we assume that the coupling constant of each alternative theory is manifestly positive, allowing corrections to the GR waveforms to be either positive or negative. By exploring the capabilities of massive black hole binary GR waveforms in the detection and parameter estimation of corrected time domain ppE signals, using the current eLISA configuration (as presented for the ESA Cosmic Vision L3 mission), we demonstrate that for corrections arising at higher than 1PN order in phase and frequency, GR waveforms are sufficient for both detecting and estimating the parameters of alternative theory signals. However, for theories introducing corrections at the 0 and 0.5 PN order, GR waveforms are not capable of covering the entire parameter space, requiring the use of non-GR waveforms for detection and parameter estimation. △ Less

Submitted 16 January, 2015; v1 submitted 31 October, 2014; originally announced October 2014.

Comments: 13 pages, 5 figures

Testing scalar-tensor theories and PPN parameters in Earth orbit

Authors: Andreas Schärer, Raymond Angélil, Ruxandra Bondarescu, Philippe Jetzer, Andrew Lundgren

Abstract: We compute the PPN parameters $γ$ and $β$ for general scalar-tensor theories in the Einstein frame, which we compare to the existing PPN formulation in the Jordan frame for alternative theories of gravity. This computation is important for scalar-tensor theories that are expressed in the Einstein frame, such as chameleon and symmetron theories, which can incorporate hiding mechanisms that predict… ▽ More We compute the PPN parameters $γ$ and $β$ for general scalar-tensor theories in the Einstein frame, which we compare to the existing PPN formulation in the Jordan frame for alternative theories of gravity. This computation is important for scalar-tensor theories that are expressed in the Einstein frame, such as chameleon and symmetron theories, which can incorporate hiding mechanisms that predict environment-dependent PPN parameters. We introduce a general formalism for scalar-tensor theories and constrain it using the limit on $γ$ given by the Cassini experiment. In particular we discuss massive Brans-Dicke scalar fields for extended sources. Next, using a recently proposed Earth satellite experiment, in which atomic clocks are used for spacecraft tracking, we compute the observable perturbations in the redshift induced by PPN parameters deviating from their general relativistic values. Our estimates suggest that $|γ- 1| \sim |β-1| \sim 10^{-6}$ may be detectable by a satellite that carries a clock with fractional frequency uncertainty $Δf/f \sim 10^{-16}$ in an eccentric orbit around the Earth. Such space experiments are within reach of existing atomic clock technology. We discuss further the requirements necessary for such a mission to detect deviations from Einstein relativity. △ Less

Submitted 29 October, 2014; originally announced October 2014.

Comments: 17 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. D

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D. 90. 123005 (2014)

A Time Domain Waveform for Testing General Relativity

Authors: Cédric Huwyler, Edward K. Porter, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: Gravitational-wave parameter estimation is only as good as the theory the waveform generation models are based upon. It is therefore crucial to test General Relativity (GR) once data becomes available. Many previous works, such as studies connected with the ppE framework by Yunes and Pretorius, rely on the stationary phase approximation (SPA) to model deviations from GR in the frequency domain. As… ▽ More Gravitational-wave parameter estimation is only as good as the theory the waveform generation models are based upon. It is therefore crucial to test General Relativity (GR) once data becomes available. Many previous works, such as studies connected with the ppE framework by Yunes and Pretorius, rely on the stationary phase approximation (SPA) to model deviations from GR in the frequency domain. As Fast Fourier Transform algorithms have become considerably faster and in order to circumvent possible problems with the SPA, we test GR with corrected time domain waveforms instead of SPA waveforms. Since a considerable amount of work has been done already in the field using SPA waveforms, we establish a connection between leading-order-corrected waveforms in time and frequency domain, concentrating on phase-only corrected terms. In a Markov Chain Monte Carlo study, whose results are preliminary and will only be available later, we will assess the ability of the eLISA detector to measure deviations from GR for signals coming from supermassive black hole inspirals using these corrected waveforms. △ Less

Submitted 24 October, 2014; originally announced October 2014.

Comments: 5 pages. Proceedings of LISA Symposium X, submitted to Journal of Physics: Conference Series

The remains of a spinning, hyperbolic encounter

Authors: Lorenzo De Vittori, Achamveedu Gopakumar, Anuradha Gupta, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: We review a recently proposed approach to construct gravitational wave (GW) polarization states of unbound spinning compact binaries. Through this rather simple method, we are able to include corrections due to the dominant order spin-orbit interactions, in the quadrupolar approximation and in a semi-analytic way. We invoke the 1.5 post-Newtonian (PN) accurate quasi-Keplerian parametrization for t… ▽ More We review a recently proposed approach to construct gravitational wave (GW) polarization states of unbound spinning compact binaries. Through this rather simple method, we are able to include corrections due to the dominant order spin-orbit interactions, in the quadrupolar approximation and in a semi-analytic way. We invoke the 1.5 post-Newtonian (PN) accurate quasi-Keplerian parametrization for the radial part of the dynamics and impose its temporal evolution in the PN accurate polarization states equations. Further, we compute 1PN accurate amplitude corrections for the polarization states of non-spinning compact binaries on hyperbolic orbits. As an interesting application, we perform comparisons with previously available results for both the GW signals in the case of non-spinning binaries and the theoretical prediction for the amplitude of the memory effect on the metric after the hyperbolic passage. △ Less

Submitted 24 October, 2014; originally announced October 2014.

Comments: 5 pages, 2 figures. Proceedings of the LISA Symposium X, University of Florida, Gainesville, May 18-23, 2014. To be published at the Journal of Physics

Memory effect from spinning unbound binaries

Authors: Lorenzo De Vittori, Achamveedu Gopakumar, Anuradha Gupta, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: We present a recently developed prescription to obtain ready-to-use gravitational wave (GW) polarization states for spinning compact binaries on hyperbolic orbits. We include leading order spin-orbit interactions, invoking 1.5PN-accurate quasi-Keplerian parametrization for the radial part of the orbital dynamics. We also include radiation reaction effects on $h_+$ and $h_{\times}$ during the inter… ▽ More We present a recently developed prescription to obtain ready-to-use gravitational wave (GW) polarization states for spinning compact binaries on hyperbolic orbits. We include leading order spin-orbit interactions, invoking 1.5PN-accurate quasi-Keplerian parametrization for the radial part of the orbital dynamics. We also include radiation reaction effects on $h_+$ and $h_{\times}$ during the interaction. In the GW signals from spinning binaries there is evidence of the memory effect in both polarizations, in contrast to the non-spinning case, where only the cross polarizations exhibits non-vanishing amplitudes at infinite time. We also compute 1PN-accurate GW polarization states for non-spinning compact binaries in unbound orbits in a fully parametric way, and compare them with existing waveforms. △ Less

Submitted 24 October, 2014; originally announced October 2014.

Comments: 7 pages, 2 figures. To appear in the Proceedings of the 2014 Sant Cugat Forum on Astrophysics. Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings, ed. C.Sopuerta (Berlin: Springer-Verlag)

Gravitational waves from spinning compact binaries in hyperbolic orbits

Authors: Lorenzo De Vittori, Achamveedu Gopakumar, Anuradha Gupta, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: Compact binaries in hyperbolic orbits are plausible gravitational wave (GW) sources for the upcoming and planned GW observatories. We develop an efficient prescription to compute post-Newtonian (PN) accurate ready-to-use GW polarization states for spinning compact binaries, influenced by the dominant order spin-orbit interactions, in hyperbolic orbits. This is achieved by invoking the 1.5PN accura… ▽ More Compact binaries in hyperbolic orbits are plausible gravitational wave (GW) sources for the upcoming and planned GW observatories. We develop an efficient prescription to compute post-Newtonian (PN) accurate ready-to-use GW polarization states for spinning compact binaries, influenced by the dominant order spin-orbit interactions, in hyperbolic orbits. This is achieved by invoking the 1.5PN accurate quasi-Keplerian parameterization for the radial sector of the orbital dynamics. We probe the influences of spins and gravitational radiation reaction on $h_+$ and $h_{\times}$ during the hyperbolic passage. It turns out that both polarization states exhibit the memory effect for GWs from spinning compact binaries in hyperbolic orbits. In contrast, only cross polarization state exhibits the memory effect for GWs from non-spinning compact binaries. Additionally, we compute 1PN accurate amplitude corrected GW polarization states for hyperbolic non-spinning compact binaries in a fully parametric manner and perform initial comparisons with the existing waveforms. △ Less

Submitted 4 December, 2014; v1 submitted 23 October, 2014; originally announced October 2014.

Comments: 16 pages, 5 figures. Accepted for publication in Physical Review D

Journal ref: Phys.Rev.D 90 (2014) 124066

Quantum Tests of the Einstein Equivalence Principle with the STE-QUEST Space Mission

Authors: Brett Altschul, Quentin G. Bailey, Luc Blanchet, Kai Bongs, Philippe Bouyer, Luigi Cacciapuoti, Salvatore Capozziello, Naceur Gaaloul, Domenico Giulini, Jonas Hartwig, Luciano Iess, Philippe Jetzer, Arnaud Landragin, Ernst Rasel, Serge Reynaud, Stephan Schiller, Christian Schubert, Fiodor Sorrentino, Uwe Sterr, Jay D. Tasson, Guglielmo M. Tino, Philip Tuckey, Peter Wolf

Abstract: We present in detail the scientific objectives in fundamental physics of the Space-Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence Space Test (STE-QUEST) space mission. STE-QUEST was pre-selected by the European Space Agency together with four other missions for the cosmic vision M3 launch opportunity planned around 2024. It carries out tests of different aspects of the Einstein Equivalence Principle using… ▽ More We present in detail the scientific objectives in fundamental physics of the Space-Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence Space Test (STE-QUEST) space mission. STE-QUEST was pre-selected by the European Space Agency together with four other missions for the cosmic vision M3 launch opportunity planned around 2024. It carries out tests of different aspects of the Einstein Equivalence Principle using atomic clocks, matter wave interferometry and long distance time/frequency links, providing fascinating science at the interface between quantum mechanics and gravitation that cannot be achieved, at that level of precision, in ground experiments. We especially emphasize the specific strong interest of performing equivalence principle tests in the quantum regime, i.e. using quantum atomic wave interferometry. Although STE-QUEST was finally not selected in early 2014 because of budgetary and technological reasons, its science case was very highly rated. Our aim is to expose that science to a large audience in order to allow future projects and proposals to take advantage of the STE-QUEST experience. △ Less

Submitted 25 September, 2014; v1 submitted 16 April, 2014; originally announced April 2014.

Comments: 27 pages, 6 figures, to appear in Advances in Space Research

Journal ref: Advances in Space Research, 55 (2015) 501-524

Spacecraft Clocks and Relativity: Prospects for Future Satellite Missions

Authors: Raymond Angélil, Prasenjit Saha, Ruxandra Bondarescu, Philippe Jetzer, Andreas Schärer, Andrew Lundgren

Abstract: The successful miniaturization of extremely accurate atomic clocks invites prospects for satellite missions to perform precise timing experiments. This will allow effects predicted by general relativity to be detected in Earth's gravitational field. In this paper we introduce a convenient formalism for studying these effects, and compute the fractional timing differences generated by them for the… ▽ More The successful miniaturization of extremely accurate atomic clocks invites prospects for satellite missions to perform precise timing experiments. This will allow effects predicted by general relativity to be detected in Earth's gravitational field. In this paper we introduce a convenient formalism for studying these effects, and compute the fractional timing differences generated by them for the orbit of a satellite capable of accurate time transfer to a terrestrial receiving station on Earth, as proposed by planned missions. We find that (1) Schwarzschild perturbations would be measurable through their effects both on the orbit and on the signal propagation, (2) frame-dragging of the orbit would be readily measurable, and (3) in optimistic scenarios, the spin-squared metric effects may be measurable for the first time ever. Our estimates suggest that a clock with a fractional timing inaccuracy of $10^{-16}$ on a highly eccentric Earth orbit will measure all these effects, while for a low Earth circular orbit like that of the Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space Mission, detection will be more challenging. △ Less

Submitted 11 March, 2014; v1 submitted 26 February, 2014; originally announced February 2014.

Comments: Accepted for publication in Physical Review D. Typos corrected

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D. 89. 064067 (2014)

STE-QUEST - Test of the Universality of Free Fall Using Cold Atom Interferometry

Authors: D. Aguilera, H. Ahlers, B. Battelier, A. Bawamia, A. Bertoldi, R. Bondarescu, K. Bongs, P. Bouyer, C. Braxmaier, L. Cacciapuoti, C. Chaloner, M. Chwalla, W. Ertmer, M. Franz, N. Gaaloul, M. Gehler, D. Gerardi, L. Gesa, N. Gürlebeck, J. Hartwig, M. Hauth, O. Hellmig, W. Herr, S. Herrmann, A. Heske , et al. (41 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The theory of general relativity describes macroscopic phenomena driven by the influence of gravity while quantum mechanics brilliantly accounts for microscopic effects. Despite their tremendous individual success, a complete unification of fundamental interactions is missing and remains one of the most challenging and important quests in modern theoretical physics. The STE-QUEST satellite mission… ▽ More The theory of general relativity describes macroscopic phenomena driven by the influence of gravity while quantum mechanics brilliantly accounts for microscopic effects. Despite their tremendous individual success, a complete unification of fundamental interactions is missing and remains one of the most challenging and important quests in modern theoretical physics. The STE-QUEST satellite mission, proposed as a medium-size mission within the Cosmic Vision program of the European Space Agency (ESA), aims for testing general relativity with high precision in two experiments by performing a measurement of the gravitational redshift of the Sun and the Moon by comparing terrestrial clocks, and by performing a test of the Universality of Free Fall of matter waves in the gravitational field of Earth comparing the trajectory of two Bose-Einstein condensates of Rb85 and Rb87. The two ultracold atom clouds are monitored very precisely thanks to techniques of atom interferometry. This allows to reach down to an uncertainty in the Eötvös parameter of at least 2x10E-15. In this paper, we report about the results of the phase A mission study of the atom interferometer instrument covering the description of the main payload elements, the atomic source concept, and the systematic error sources. △ Less

Submitted 14 April, 2014; v1 submitted 20 December, 2013; originally announced December 2013.

Comments: 21 pages, 5 figures

Exoplanetary searches with gravitational microlensing: polarization issues

Authors: A. F. Zakharov, G. Ingrosso, F. De Paolis, A. A. Nucita, F. Strafella, S. Calchi Novati, Ph. Jetzer

Abstract: There are different methods for finding exoplanets such as radial spectral shifts, astrometrical measurements, transits, timing etc. Gravitational microlensing (including pixel-lensing) is among the most promising techniques with the potentiality of detecting Earth-like planets at distances about a few astronomical units from their host star or near the so-called snow line with a temperature in th… ▽ More There are different methods for finding exoplanets such as radial spectral shifts, astrometrical measurements, transits, timing etc. Gravitational microlensing (including pixel-lensing) is among the most promising techniques with the potentiality of detecting Earth-like planets at distances about a few astronomical units from their host star or near the so-called snow line with a temperature in the range $0-100^0$ C on a solid surface of an exoplanet. We emphasize the importance of polarization measurements which can help to resolve degeneracies in theoretical models. In particular, the polarization angle could give additional information about the relative position of the lens with respect to the source. △ Less

Submitted 12 December, 2013; originally announced December 2013.

Comments: 17 pages, 3 figures, presented at the IX Serbian Conference on Spectral Lines in Astrophysics and the COST Action MP1104 "Polarization as a tool to study the Solar System and beyond", accepted for publication in Advances in Space Research

State space modelling and data analysis exercises in LISA Pathfinder

Authors: M Nofrarias, F Antonucci, M Armano, H Audley, G Auger, M Benedetti, P Binetruy, J Bogenstahl, D Bortoluzzi, N Brandt, M Caleno, A Cavalleri, G Congedo, M Cruise, K Danzmann, F De Marchi, M Diaz-Aguilo, I Diepholz, G Dixon, R Dolesi, N Dunbar, J Fauste, L Ferraioli, V Ferroni W Fichter, E Fitzsimons , et al. (61 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: LISA Pathfinder is a mission planned by the European Space Agency to test the key technologies that will allow the detection of gravitational waves in space. The instrument on-board, the LISA Technology package, will undergo an exhaustive campaign of calibrations and noise characterisation campaigns in order to fully describe the noise model. Data analysis plays an important role in the mission an… ▽ More LISA Pathfinder is a mission planned by the European Space Agency to test the key technologies that will allow the detection of gravitational waves in space. The instrument on-board, the LISA Technology package, will undergo an exhaustive campaign of calibrations and noise characterisation campaigns in order to fully describe the noise model. Data analysis plays an important role in the mission and for that reason the data analysis team has been developing a toolbox which contains all the functionalities required during operations. In this contribution we give an overview of recent activities, focusing on the improvements in the modelling of the instrument and in the data analysis campaigns performed both with real and simulated data. △ Less

Submitted 21 June, 2013; v1 submitted 19 June, 2013; originally announced June 2013.

Comments: Plenary talk presented at the 9th International LISA Symposium, 21-25 May 2012, Paris

Journal ref: 2013ASPC..467..161N

The Gravitational Universe

Authors: The eLISA Consortium, :, P. Amaro Seoane, S. Aoudia, H. Audley, G. Auger, S. Babak, J. Baker, E. Barausse, S. Barke, M. Bassan, V. Beckmann, M. Benacquista, P. L. Bender, E. Berti, P. Binétruy, J. Bogenstahl, C. Bonvin, D. Bortoluzzi, N. C. Brause, J. Brossard, S. Buchman, I. Bykov, J. Camp, C. Caprini , et al. (136 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The last century has seen enormous progress in our understanding of the Universe. We know the life cycles of stars, the structure of galaxies, the remnants of the big bang, and have a general understanding of how the Universe evolved. We have come remarkably far using electromagnetic radiation as our tool for observing the Universe. However, gravity is the engine behind many of the processes in th… ▽ More The last century has seen enormous progress in our understanding of the Universe. We know the life cycles of stars, the structure of galaxies, the remnants of the big bang, and have a general understanding of how the Universe evolved. We have come remarkably far using electromagnetic radiation as our tool for observing the Universe. However, gravity is the engine behind many of the processes in the Universe, and much of its action is dark. Opening a gravitational window on the Universe will let us go further than any alternative. Gravity has its own messenger: Gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of spacetime. They travel essentially undisturbed and let us peer deep into the formation of the first seed black holes, exploring redshifts as large as z ~ 20, prior to the epoch of cosmic re-ionisation. Exquisite and unprecedented measurements of black hole masses and spins will make it possible to trace the history of black holes across all stages of galaxy evolution, and at the same time constrain any deviation from the Kerr metric of General Relativity. eLISA will be the first ever mission to study the entire Universe with gravitational waves. eLISA is an all-sky monitor and will offer a wide view of a dynamic cosmos using gravitational waves as new and unique messengers to unveil The Gravitational Universe. It provides the closest ever view of the early processes at TeV energies, has guaranteed sources in the form of verification binaries in the Milky Way, and can probe the entire Universe, from its smallest scales around singularities and black holes, all the way to cosmological dimensions. △ Less

Submitted 24 May, 2013; originally announced May 2013.

Comments: 20 pages; submitted to the European Space Agency on May 24th, 2013 for the L2/L3 selection of ESA's Cosmic Vision program

Effective-one-body Hamiltonian with next-to-leading order spin-spin coupling for two nonprecessing black holes with aligned spins

Authors: Simone Balmelli, Philippe Jetzer

Abstract: The canonical Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) Hamiltonian with next-to-leading order spin-spin coupling [J. Steinhoff, S. Hergt, and G. Schäfer] is converted into the EOB formalism of T. Damour, P. Jaranowski, and G. Schäfer for the special case of spinning black hole binaries whose spins are aligned with the angular momentum. In particular, we propose to include the new terms by adding a dynamical te… ▽ More The canonical Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) Hamiltonian with next-to-leading order spin-spin coupling [J. Steinhoff, S. Hergt, and G. Schäfer] is converted into the EOB formalism of T. Damour, P. Jaranowski, and G. Schäfer for the special case of spinning black hole binaries whose spins are aligned with the angular momentum. In particular, we propose to include the new terms by adding a dynamical term of next-to-leading order to the Kerr parameter squared entering the effective metric. The modified EOB Hamiltonian consistently reduces to the Kerr Hamiltonian as the mass ratio tends to zero; moreover, it predicts the existence of an Innermost Stable Circular Orbit. We also derive, for the general case of arbitrarily oriented spins but in the vanishing mass-ratio limit, a coordinate transformation that maps the next-to-leading order spin-spin contribution of the ADM Hamiltonian to the EOB Hamiltonian. △ Less

Submitted 4 February, 2015; v1 submitted 24 May, 2013; originally announced May 2013.

Comments: 15 pages, 5 figures. Submitted to Phys. Rev. D

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 87 (2013) 124036; Erratum: Phys. Rev. D 90 (2014) 089905(E)

Power spectrum of gravitational waves from unbound compact binaries

Authors: Lorenzo De Vittori, Philippe Jetzer, Antoine Klein

Abstract: Unbound interacting compact binaries emit gravitational radiation in a wide frequency range. Since short burst-like signals are expected in future detectors, such as LISA or advanced LIGO, it is interesting to study their energy spectrum and the position of the frequency peak. Here we derive them for a system of massive objects interacting on hyperbolic orbits within the quadrupole approximation,… ▽ More Unbound interacting compact binaries emit gravitational radiation in a wide frequency range. Since short burst-like signals are expected in future detectors, such as LISA or advanced LIGO, it is interesting to study their energy spectrum and the position of the frequency peak. Here we derive them for a system of massive objects interacting on hyperbolic orbits within the quadrupole approximation, following the work of Capozziello et al. In particular, we focus on the derivation of an analytic formula for the energy spectrum of the emitted waves. Within numerical approximation our formula is in agreement with the two known limiting cases: for the eccentricity ε = 1, the parabolic case, whose spectrum was computed by Berry and Gair, and the large ε limit with the formula given by Turner. △ Less

Submitted 18 September, 2012; originally announced September 2012.

Comments: 6 pages, 1 figure. Proceedings of the 9th LISA Symposium, Paris 2012

Gravitational wave energy spectrum of hyperbolic encounters

Authors: Lorenzo De Vittori, Philippe Jetzer, Antoine Klein

Abstract: The emission of gravitational waves is studied for a system of massive objects interacting on hyperbolic orbits within the quadrupole approximation following the work of Capozziello et al. Here we focus on the derivation of an analytic formula for the energy spectrum of the emitted waves. We checked numerically that our formula is in agreement with the two limiting cases for which results were alr… ▽ More The emission of gravitational waves is studied for a system of massive objects interacting on hyperbolic orbits within the quadrupole approximation following the work of Capozziello et al. Here we focus on the derivation of an analytic formula for the energy spectrum of the emitted waves. We checked numerically that our formula is in agreement with the two limiting cases for which results were already available: for the eccentricity ε = 1, the parabolic case whose spectrum was computed by Berry and Gair, and the large ε limit with the formula given by Turner. △ Less

Submitted 23 July, 2012; originally announced July 2012.

Comments: 9 pages, 4 figures, Accepted for publication in Physical Review D

Journal ref: Phys.Rev.D 86 (2012) 044017

Low-frequency gravitational-wave science with eLISA/NGO

Authors: Pau Amaro-Seoane, Sofiane Aoudia, Stanislav Babak, Pierre Binétruy, Emanuele Berti, Alejandro Bohé, Chiara Caprini, Monica Colpi, Neil J. Cornish, Karsten Danzmann, Jean-François Dufaux, Jonathan Gair, Oliver Jennrich, Philippe Jetzer, Antoine Klein, Ryan N. Lang, Alberto Lobo, Tyson Littenberg, Sean T. McWilliams, Gijs Nelemans, Antoine Petiteau, Edward K. Porter, Bernard F. Schutz, Alberto Sesana, Robin Stebbins , et al. (5 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We review the expected science performance of the New Gravitational-Wave Observatory (NGO, a.k.a. eLISA), a mission under study by the European Space Agency for launch in the early 2020s. eLISA will survey the low-frequency gravitational-wave sky (from 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz), detecting and characterizing a broad variety of systems and events throughout the Universe, including the coalescences of massive… ▽ More We review the expected science performance of the New Gravitational-Wave Observatory (NGO, a.k.a. eLISA), a mission under study by the European Space Agency for launch in the early 2020s. eLISA will survey the low-frequency gravitational-wave sky (from 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz), detecting and characterizing a broad variety of systems and events throughout the Universe, including the coalescences of massive black holes brought together by galaxy mergers; the inspirals of stellar-mass black holes and compact stars into central galactic black holes; several millions of ultracompact binaries, both detached and mass transferring, in the Galaxy; and possibly unforeseen sources such as the relic gravitational-wave radiation from the early Universe. eLISA's high signal-to-noise measurements will provide new insight into the structure and history of the Universe, and they will test general relativity in its strong-field dynamical regime. △ Less

Submitted 12 September, 2012; v1 submitted 3 February, 2012; originally announced February 2012.

Comments: 20 pages, 8 figures, proceedings of the 9th Amaldi Conference on Gravitational Waves. Final journal version. For a longer exposition of the eLISA science case, see http://arxiv.org/abs/1201.3621

Journal ref: Pau Amaro-Seoane et al 2012 Class. Quantum Grav. 29 124016

Dark matter and alternative recipes for the missing mass

Authors: Crescenzo Tortora, Philippe Jetzer, Nicola R. Napolitano

Abstract: Within the standard cosmological scenario the Universe is found to be filled by obscure components (dark matter and dark energy) for ~95% of its energy budget. In particular, almost all the matter content in the Universe is given by dark matter, which dominates the mass budget and drives the dynamics of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Unfortunately, dark matter and dark energy have not been det… ▽ More Within the standard cosmological scenario the Universe is found to be filled by obscure components (dark matter and dark energy) for ~95% of its energy budget. In particular, almost all the matter content in the Universe is given by dark matter, which dominates the mass budget and drives the dynamics of galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Unfortunately, dark matter and dark energy have not been detected and no direct or indirected observations have allowed to prove their existence and amount. For this reason, some authors have suggested that a modification of Einstein Relativity or the change of the Newton's dynamics law (within a relativistic and classical framework, respectively) could allow to replace these unobserved components. We will start discussing the role of dark matter in the early-type galaxies, mainly in their central regions, investigating how its content changes as a function of the mass and the size of each galaxy and few considerations about the stellar Initial mass function have been made. In the second part of the paper we have described, as examples, some ways to overcome the dark matter hypothesis, by fitting to the observations the modified dynamics coming out from general relativistic extended theories and the MOdyfied Newtonian dynamics (MOND). △ Less

Submitted 3 February, 2012; v1 submitted 31 January, 2012; originally announced January 2012.

Comments: 8 pages, 1 figure, to appear in the Proceedings of the 3rd Italian-Pakistani Workshop on Relativistic Astrophysics, Lecce 20-22 June 2011, published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS), references added

eLISA: Astrophysics and cosmology in the millihertz regime

Authors: Pau Amaro-Seoane, Sofiane Aoudia, Stanislav Babak, Pierre Binétruy, Emanuele Berti, Alejandro Bohé, Chiara Caprini, Monica Colpi, Neil J. Cornish, Karsten Danzmann, Jean-François Dufaux, Jonathan Gair, Oliver Jennrich, Philippe Jetzer, Antoine Klein, Ryan N. Lang, Alberto Lobo, Tyson Littenberg, Sean T. McWilliams, Gijs Nelemans, Antoine Petiteau, Edward K. Porter, Bernard F. Schutz, Alberto Sesana, Robin Stebbins , et al. (5 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This document introduces the exciting and fundamentally new science and astronomy that the European New Gravitational Wave Observatory (NGO) mission (derived from the previous LISA proposal) will deliver. The mission (which we will refer to by its informal name "eLISA") will survey for the first time the low-frequency gravitational wave band (about 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz), with sufficient sensitivity to… ▽ More This document introduces the exciting and fundamentally new science and astronomy that the European New Gravitational Wave Observatory (NGO) mission (derived from the previous LISA proposal) will deliver. The mission (which we will refer to by its informal name "eLISA") will survey for the first time the low-frequency gravitational wave band (about 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz), with sufficient sensitivity to detect interesting individual astrophysical sources out to z = 15. The eLISA mission will discover and study a variety of cosmic events and systems with high sensitivity: coalescences of massive black holes binaries, brought together by galaxy mergers; mergers of earlier, less-massive black holes during the epoch of hierarchical galaxy and black-hole growth; stellar-mass black holes and compact stars in orbits just skimming the horizons of massive black holes in galactic nuclei of the present era; extremely compact white dwarf binaries in our Galaxy, a rich source of information about binary evolution and about future Type Ia supernovae; and possibly most interesting of all, the uncertain and unpredicted sources, for example relics of inflation and of the symmetry-breaking epoch directly after the Big Bang. eLISA's measurements will allow detailed studies of these signals with high signal-to-noise ratio, addressing most of the key scientific questions raised by ESA's Cosmic Vision programme in the areas of astrophysics and cosmology. They will also provide stringent tests of general relativity in the strong-field dynamical regime, which cannot be probed in any other way. This document not only describes the science but also gives an overview on the mission design and orbits. △ Less

Submitted 17 January, 2012; originally announced January 2012.

Comments: Submitted to GW Notes; abstract abridged due to arXiv requirements