Fundamental Ways to Probe Gravitational Waves Across Its Spectrum and Propagation

Citation

Tso, Rhondale (2022) Fundamental Ways to Probe Gravitational Waves Across Its Spectrum and Propagation. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/jeja-rr34. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06012022-151653695

Abstract

In 2015, the detection of gravitational waves (GWs) from merging black holes by the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the VIRGO Collaboration opened a new era of observational astronomy. This thesis covers a range of topics on how to test the general theory of relativity using current and future GW detectors --- both ground- and space-based. Starting from general principles, in Chapter 2, we survey how well the so-called parameterized post-Einstein parameters for binary black hole GWs can be constrained by multi-band GW detection, which employs both ground-based detectors (including Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer) and space-based detectors (including the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna and deci-Hertz detectors).

In Chapter 3, we address the limitations of the Fisher Information Matrix approach in testing relativity. Chapter 4 proposes a novel experimental strategy for multi-band GW observation. More specifically, the detection of a stellar-mass binary from the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna can provide forewarning for ground-based observations, e.g., by third-generation detectors. Adjusting optical configurations of ground-based detectors targeting this particular binary can significantly improving our accuracy in testing the "no-hair theorem" of black holes. In Chapter 5, we establish a systematic framework that describes how the propagation of GWs can differ from predictions of general relativity, incorporating both dispersion and birefringence. In Chapter 6, we focus the specific example of massive gravitons and show how the so-called Vainshtein screening of the graviton's mass, by the host galaxy of the source, the Milky way galaxy -- and galaxies in between -- can be extracted from an ensemble of signals.

Thesis Files