http://arxiv.org/abs/2112.06856
We introduce the Merger Entropy Index ($\mathcal{I}\mathrm{BBH}$), a new parameter to measure the efficiency of entropy transfer for any generic binary black hole merger in General Relativity. We find that $\mathcal{I}\mathrm{BBH}$ is bounded between an asymptotic maximum and minimum. For the observed population of mergers detected by LIGO and Virgo, we find that $\mathcal{I}\mathrm{BBH}$ is $\lesssim30\%$ of its theoretical maximum. By imposing the thermodynamical consistency between the pre- and post-merger states through $\mathcal{I}\mathrm{BBH}$, we showcase BRAHMA — a novel framework to infer the properties and astrophysical implications of gravitational-wave detections. For GW190521 — the heaviest confirmed binary black hole merger observed so far — our framework rules out high mass-ratio, negative effective inspiral spin, and electromagnetic counterpart claims. Furthermore, our analysis provides an independent confirmation that GW190521 belongs to a separate population.
P. Hu, K. Jani, K. Holley-Bockelmann, et. al.
Tue, 14 Dec 21
32/98
Comments: 7 pages, 5 figures
You must be logged in to post a comment.