Third-generation Gravitational Wave Observatories Research Articles

Detecting Baryon Acoustic Oscillations with Third-generation Gravitational Wave Observatories

We explore the possibility of detecting baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) solely from gravitational wave (GW) observations of binary neutron star mergers with third-generation (3G) GW detectors such as the Cosmic Explorer and the Einstein Telescope. These measurements would provide a new independent probe of cosmology. The detection of the BAO peak with current-generation GW detectors (solely from GW observations) is not possible because i) unlike galaxies, the GW mergers are poorly localized, and ii) there are not enough merger events to probe the BAO length scale. With the 3G GW detector network, it is possible to observe binary neutron star mergers per year that are localized well within one square degree in the sky for redshift z ≤ 0.3. We show that 3G observatories will enable precision measurements of the BAO feature in the large-scale two-point correlation function; the effect of BAO can be independently detected at different redshifts, with a log-evidence ratio of ∼23, 17, or 3, favoring a model with a BAO peak at redshift of 0.2, 0.25, or 0.3, respectively, using a redshift bin corresponding to a shell of thickness 150h −1 Mpc.

Seismic glitchness at Sos Enattos site: impact on intermediate black hole binaries detection efficiency

Third-generation gravitational wave observatories will extend the lower frequency limit of the observation band toward 2 Hz, where new sources of gravitational waves, in particular intermediate-mass black holes (IMBH), will be detected. In this frequency region, seismic noise will play an important role, mainly through the so-called Newtonian noise, i.e., the gravity-mediated coupling between ground motion and test mass displacements. The signal lifetime of such sources in the detector is of the order of tens of seconds. In order to determine whether a candidate site to host the Einstein Telescope observatory is particularly suitable to observe such sources, it is necessary to estimate the probability distributions that, in the characteristic time scale of the signal, the sensitivity of the detector is not perturbed by Newtonian noise. In this paper, a first analysis is presented, focused on the Sos Enattos site (Sardinia, Italy), a candidate to host the Einstein Telescope. Starting from a long data set of seismic noise, this distribution is evaluated considering both the presently designed triangular ET configuration and also the classical ”L” configuration.

Cosmological model selection from standard siren detections by third-generation gravitational wave observatories

The multi-messenger observation of GW170817 enabled the first historic measurement of the Hubble constant via a standard siren , so-called in analogy to standard candles that enabled the measurement of the luminosity distance versus redshift relationship at small redshift. In the next decades, third-generation observatories are expected to detect hundreds to thousand of gravitational wave events from compact binary coalescences with potentially a joint electromagnetic counterpart. In the present work, we show how future standard siren detections can be used within the framework of Bayesian model selection to discriminate between cosmological models differing by the parameterization of the late-time acceleration. In particular, we found quantitative conditions for the standard Λ CDM model to be favored with respect to other models with varying dark energy content, by reducing the uncertainty in the gravitational determination of the luminosity distance with respect to current expectations.

Searching for anisotropy in the distribution of binary black hole mergers

The standard model of cosmology is underpinned by the assumption of the statistical isotropy of the Universe. Observations of the cosmic microwave background, galaxy distributions, and supernovae, among other media, support the assumption of isotropy at scales $\gtrsim 100$\,Mpc. The recent detections of gravitational waves from merging stellar-mass binary black holes provide a new probe of anisotropy; complementary and independent of all other probes of the matter distribution in the Universe. We present an analysis using a spherical harmonic model to determine the level of anisotropy in the first LIGO/Virgo transient catalog. We find that the ten binary black hole mergers within the first transient catalog are consistent with an isotropic distribution. We carry out a study of simulated events to assess the prospects for future probes of anisotropy. Within a single year of operation, third-generation gravitational-wave observatories will probe anisotropies with an angular scale of $\sim36^\circ$ at the level of $\lesssim0.1\%$.

Distinguishing high-mass binary neutron stars from binary black holes with second- and third-generation gravitational wave observatories

While the gravitational-wave (GW) signal GW170817 was accompanied by a variety of electromagnetic (EM) counterparts, sufficiently high-mass binary neutron star (BNS) mergers are expected to be unable to power bright EM counterparts. The putative high-mass binary BNS merger GW190425, for which no confirmed EM counterpart has been identified, may be an example of such a system. Since current and future GW detectors are expected to detect many more BNS mergers, it is important to understand how well we will be able to distinguish high-mass BNSs and low-mass binary black holes (BBHs) solely from their GW signals. To do this, we consider the imprint of the tidal deformability of the neutron stars on the GW signal for systems undergoing prompt black hole formation after merger. We model the BNS signals using hybrid numerical relativity--tidal effective-one-body waveforms. Specifically, we consider a set of five nonspinning equal-mass BNS signals with total masses of 2.7, 3.0, $3.2\text{ }\text{ }{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ and with three different equations of state, as well as the analogous BBH signals. We perform Bayesian parameter estimation on these signals at luminosity distances of 40 and 98 Mpc in an Advanced LIGO-Advanced Virgo network and an Advanced LIGO-Advanced Virgo-KAGRA network with sensitivities similar to the third and fourth observing runs (O3 and O4), respectively, and at luminosity distances of 369 and 835 Mpc in a network of two Cosmic Explorers and one Einstein Telescope, with a Cosmic Explorer sensitivity similar to Stage 2. Our analysis suggests that we cannot distinguish the signals from high-mass BNSs and BBHs at a 90% credible level with the O3-like network even at 40 Mpc. However, we can distinguish all but the most compact BNSs that we consider in our study from BBHs at 40 Mpc at a $\ensuremath{\ge}95%$ credible level using the O4-like network and can even distinguish them at a $>99.2%$ ($\ensuremath{\ge}97%$) credible level at 369 (835) Mpc using the 3G network. Additionally, we present a simple method to compute the leading effect of the Earth's rotation on the response of a gravitational wave detector in the frequency domain.

Effect of gravitational lensing on the distribution of gravitational waves from distant binary black hole mergers

The detailed observation of the distribution of redshifts and chirp masses of binary black hole mergers is expected to provide a clue to their origin. In this paper, we develop a hybrid model of the probability distribution function of gravitational lensing magnification taking account of both strong and weak gravitational lensing, and use it to study the effect of gravitational lensing magnification on the distribution of gravitational waves from distant binary black hole mergers detected in ongoing and future gravitational wave observations. We find that the effect of gravitational lensing magnification is significant at high ends of observed chirp mass and redshift distributions. While a high mass tail in the observed chirp mass distribution is produced by highly magnified gravitational lensing events, we find that highly demagnified images of strong lensing events produce a high redshift ($z_{\rm obs}> 15$) tail in the observed redshift distribution, which can easily be observed in the third-generation gravitational wave observatories. Such a demagnified, apparently high redshift event is expected to be accompanied by a magnified image that is observed typically $10-100$ days before the demagnified image. For highly magnified events that produce apparently very high chirp masses, we expect pairs of events with similar magnifications with time delays typically less than a day. This work suggests the critical importance of gravitational lensing (de-)magnification on the interpretation of apparently very high mass or redshift gravitational wave events.

Testing the no-hair theorem with black hole ringdowns using TIGER

The Einstein Telescope (ET), a proposed third-generation gravitational wave observatory, would enable tests of the no-hair theorem by looking at the characteristic frequencies and damping times of black hole ringdown signals. In previous work it was shown that with a single $500 - 1000\,M_\odot$ black hole at distance $\lesssim 6$ Gpc (or redshift $z \lesssim 1$), deviations of a few percent in the frequencies and damping times of dominant and sub-dominant modes would be within the range of detectability. Given that such sources may be relatively rare, it is of interest to see how well the no-hair theorem can be tested with events at much larger distances and with smaller signal-to-noise ratios, thus accessing a far bigger volume of space and a larger number of sources. We employ a model selection scheme called TIGER (Test Infrastructure for GEneral Relativity), which was originally developed to test general relativity with weak binary coalescence signals that will be seen in second-generation detectors such as Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo. TIGER is well-suited for the regime of low signal-to-noise ratio, and information from a population of sources can be combined so as to arrive at a stronger test. By performing a range of simulations using the expected noise power spectral density of Einstein Telescope, we show that with TIGER, similar deviations from the no-hair theorem as considered in previous work will be detectable with great confidence using $\mathcal{O}(10)$ sources distributed uniformly in co-moving volume out to 50 Gpc ($z \lesssim 5$).

Astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics with compact binary coalescence and the Einstein Telescope

The second-generation interferometric gravitational wave detectors, currently under construction are expected to make their first detections within this decade. This will firmly establish gravitational wave physics as an empirical science, and will open up a new era in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics. Already with the first detections, we will be able to, among other things, establish the nature of short-hard gamma ray bursts, definitively confirm the existence of black holes, measure the Hubble constant in a completely independent way, and for the first time gain access to the genuinely strong-field dynamics of gravity. Hence, it is time to consider the longer-term future of this new field. The Einstein Telescope (ET) is a concrete conceptual proposal for a third-generation gravitational wave observatory, which will be ~ 10 times more sensitive in strain than the second-generation detectors. This will give access to sources at cosmological distances, with a correspondingly higher detection rate. We have given an overview of the science case for ET, with a focus on what can be learned from signals emitted by coalescing compact binaries. Third-generation observatories will allow us to map the coalescence rate out to redshifts z ~ 3, determine the mass functions of neutron stars and black holes, and perform precision measurements of the neutron star equation of state. ET will enable us to study the large-scale structure and evolution of the Universe without recourse to a cosmic distance ladder. Finally, we have discussed how it will allow for high-precision measurements of strong-field, dynamical gravity.

Beyond the second generation of laser-interferometric gravitational wave observatories

This paper gives an overview of potential upgrades of second-generation gravitational wave detectors and the required key technologies to improve the limiting noise sources. In addition, the baseline design of the Einstein telescope, a European third-generation gravitational wave observatory, is briefly discussed.

Sensitivity studies for third-generation gravitational wave observatories

Advanced gravitational wave detectors, currently under construction, are expected to directly observe gravitational wave signals of astrophysical origin. The Einstein Telescope (ET), a third-generation gravitational wave detector, has been proposed in order to fully open up the emerging field of gravitational wave astronomy. In this paper we describe sensitivity models for ET and investigate potential limits imposed by fundamental noise sources. A special focus is set on evaluating the frequency band below 10 Hz where a complex mixture of seismic, gravity gradient, suspension thermal and radiation pressure noise dominates. We develop the most accurate sensitivity model, referred to as ET-D, for a third-generation detector so far, including the most relevant fundamental noise contributions.

The Einstein Telescope: a third-generation gravitational wave observatory

Advanced gravitational wave interferometers, currently under realization, will soon permit the detection of gravitational waves from astronomical sources. To open the era of precision gravitational wave astronomy, a further substantial improvement in sensitivity is required. The future space-based Laser Interferometer Space Antenna and the third-generation ground-based observatory Einstein Telescope (ET) promise to achieve the required sensitivity improvements in frequency ranges. The vastly improved sensitivity of the third generation of gravitational wave observatories could permit detailed measurements of the sources' physical parameters and could complement, in a multi-messenger approach, the observation of signals emitted by cosmological sources obtained through other kinds of telescopes. This paper describes the progress of the ET project which is currently in its design study phase.

Optical detector topology for third-generation gravitational wave observatories

The third generation of gravitational wave observatories, aiming to provide 100 times better sensitivity than currently operating interferometers, is expected to establish the evolving field of gravitational wave astronomy. A key element for achieving the ambitious sensitivity goal is the exploration of new interferometer geometries, topologies and configurations. In this article we review the current status of the ongoing design work for third-generation gravitational wave observatories. The main focus is set on the evaluation of the detector geometry and detector topology. In addition we discuss some promising detector configurations and potential noise reduction schemes.

The third generation of gravitational wave observatories and their science reach

Large gravitational wave interferometric detectors, like Virgo and LIGO, demonstrated the capability to reach their design sensitivity, but to transform these machines into an effective observational instrument for gravitational wave astronomy a large improvement in sensitivity is required. Advanced detectors in the near future and third-generation observatories in more than one decade will open the possibility to perform gravitational wave astronomical observations from the Earth. An overview of the possible science reaches and the technological progress needed to realize a third-generation observatory are discussed in this paper. The status of the project Einstein Telescope (ET), a design study of a third-generation gravitational wave observatory, will be reported.