Imprints of extra dimensions in eccentric extreme mass-ratio inspiral gravitational waveforms

Abstract

Studies regarding extra-dimensions have been of great interest in modern theoretical physics, including their observational consequences from future gravitational wave (GW) observatories. In this direction, extreme-mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs), attracting considerable interest in GW astronomy and fundamental physics, can potentially provide a useful platform for the search of extra dimensions. In this paper, we examine a rotating braneworld black hole in the context of equatorial eccentric EMRIs and attempt to provide an order of magnitude analysis for the extra-dimensional parameter termed ‘tidal charge’. We estimate GW fluxes for the dominant mode and determine the impact of the tidal charge parameter on the orbital evolution. We further evaluate the prospects of detecting such a parameter through mismatch computation. We observe a significant enhancement in the mismatch as the value of orbital eccentricity or tidal charge parameter increases; the phenomenon becomes more obvious for rapidly rotating massive black holes. Thus, the study suggests that eccentric EMRIs can potentially probe the existence of extra dimensions with future low-frequency detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA).

Shailesh Kumar

Postdoctoral Fellow

I am currently working as a Post-Docotral Fellow (N-PDF) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, India. My research interest encompasses various aspects of gravitation theory, broadly black holes and gravitational waves. I am currently working on projects related to black hole perturbation techniques, extreme mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs), tidal effects and post-Newtonian framework. My work during the PhD provides an understanding of the gravitational memory effect emerging near the horizon of black holes and its connection with asymptotic symmetries. I am also exploring the possibilities to have observational signatures of such symmetries.