On the Identification of Individual Gravitational-wave Image Types of a Lensed System Using Higher-order Modes

Similarly to light, gravitational waves can be gravitationally lensed as they propagate near massive astrophysical objects such as galaxies, stars, or black holes. In recent years, forecasts have suggested a reasonable chance of strong gravitational-wave lensing detections with the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA detector network at design sensitivity. As a consequence, methods to analyze lensed detections have seen rapid development. However, the impact of higher-order modes on the lensing analyses is still under investigation. In this work, we show that the presence of higher-order modes enables the identification of individual image types for the observed gravitational-wave events when two lensed images are detected, which would lead to unambiguous confirmation of lensing. In addition, we show that higher-order mode content can be analyzed more accurately with strongly lensed gravitational-wave events.

Return of the Big Glitcher: NICER timing and glitches of PSR J0537−6910

ABSTRACT PSR J0537−6910, also known as the Big Glitcher, is the most prolific glitching pulsar known, and its spin-induced pulsations are only detectable in X-ray. We present results from analysis of 2.7 yr of NICER timing observations, from 2017 August to 2020 April. We obtain a rotation phase-connected timing model for the entire time span, which overlaps with the third observing run of LIGO/Virgo, thus enabling the most sensitive gravitational wave searches of this potentially strong gravitational wave-emitting pulsar. We find that the short-term braking index between glitches decreases towards a value of 7 or lower at longer times since the preceding glitch. By combining NICER and RXTE data, we measure a long-term braking index n = −1.25 ± 0.01. Our analysis reveals eight new glitches, the first detected since 2011, near the end of RXTE, with a total NICER and RXTE glitch activity of $8.88\times 10^{-7}\, \mathrm{yr^{-1}}$. The new glitches follow the seemingly unique time-to-next-glitch–glitch-size correlation established previously using RXTE data, with a slope of $5\, \rm {d} \, \mu \mathrm{Hz}^{-1}$. For one glitch around which NICER observes 2 d on either side, we search for but do not see clear evidence of spectral nor pulse profile changes that may be associated with the glitch.

A Plausible Model of Inflation Driven by Strong Gravitational Wave Turbulence

It is widely accepted that the primordial universe experienced a brief period of accelerated expansion called inflation. This scenario provides a plausible solution to the horizon and flatness problems. However, the particle physics mechanism responsible for inflation remains speculative with, in particular, the assumption of a scalar field called inflaton. Furthermore, the comparison with the most recent data raises new questions that encourage the consideration of alternative hypotheses. Here, we propose a completely different scenario based on a mechanism whose origins lie in the nonlinearities of the Einstein field equations. We use the analytical results of weak gravitational wave turbulence to develop a phenomenological theory of strong gravitational wave turbulence where the inverse cascade of wave action plays a key role. In this scenario, the space-time metric excitation triggers an explosive inverse cascade followed by the formation of a condensate in Fourier space whose growth is interpreted as an expansion of the universe. Contrary to the idea that gravitation can only produce a decelerating expansion, our study reveals that strong gravitational wave turbulence could be a source of inflation. The fossil spectrum that emerges from this scenario is shown to be in agreement with the cosmic microwave background radiation measured by the Planck mission. Direct numerical simulations can be used to check our predictions and to investigate the question of non-Gaussianity through the measure of intermittency.

A new gravitational-wave signature of low-T/|W| instability in rapidly rotating stellar core collapse

ABSTRACT We present results from a full general relativistic three-dimensional hydrodynamics simulation of rapidly rotating core collapse of a 70 M⊙ star with three-flavour spectral neutrino transport. We find a strong gravitational-wave (GW) emission that originates from the growth of the one- and two-armed spiral waves extending from the nascent proto-neutron star (PNS). The GW spectrogram shows several unique features that are produced by the non-axisymmetric instabilities. After bounce, the spectrogram first shows a transient quasi-periodic time modulation at ∼450 Hz. In the second active phase, it again shows the quasi-periodic modulation but with the peak frequency increasing with time, which continues until the final simulation time. From our detailed analysis, such features can be well explained by a combination of the so-called low-T/|W| instability and the PNS core contraction.

Ultra-Short Period Double-Degenerate Binaries

We review the current observational status of the ROSAT sources RX J1914.4+2456 and RX J0806.3+1527, and the evidence that these are ultra-short period (< 10 min) binary systems. We argue that an Intermediate Polar interpretation can be ruled out, that they are indeed compact binaries with a degenerate secondary, and that the period seen in the X-ray and optical is the orbital period. A white dwarf primary is preferred, but a neutron star cannot be excluded. We examine the capability of the three current double-degenerate models (Polar, Direct Accretor and Electric Star) to account for the observational characteristics of these systems. All models have difficulties with some aspects of the observations, but none can be excluded with confidence at present. The Electric Star model provides the best description, but the lifetime of this phase requires further investigation. These ultra-short period binaries will be strong gravitational wave emitters in the LISA bandpass, and because of their known source properties will be important early targets for gravitational wave studies.