Accurate analytical modeling of compact binaries in general relativity and beyond

Objective

Gravitational-wave (GW) observations have revolutionized our understanding of binary black holes and neutron stars. Since GW signals are typically weaker than the noise in the detectors, searching for GW signals and inferring their parameters requires accurate waveforms. The goal of this project to improve the analytical description of compact binary dynamics in general relativity and modified gravity theories, through the following related objectives: 1) deriving post-Newtonian results for the dissipative dynamics of spinning binaries, 2) developing the foundations of an effective-one-body waveform model for precessing spins in generic orbits, 3) modeling dynamical scalarization in Einstein-scalar-Gauss-Bonnet gravity to facilitate theory-specific searches for deviations from general relativity, and 4) complement gravitational self-force results with post-Newtonian information to model extreme mass-ratio inspirals in generic orbits. The results of this project will yield more accurate waveforms that are crucial for the increasing sensitivity of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA detectors and for future detectors, such as the Einstein telescope and the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna.