Multi-messenger properties and astrophysics of extreme-mass-ratio systems

Abstract:

Extreme-mass-ratio systems (EMRSs) are an inhomogeneous collection of systems where the components have a diverse range of masses. A particular subgroup of the EMRSs, of interest in high-energy and relativistic astrophysics, is the extreme-mass-ratio binaries (EMRBs). In this presentation, I will discuss two types of EMRBs: (i) a fast-spinning pulsar in close orbit around a massive black hole or in a hyperbolic scattering by a massive black hole, and (ii) accreting massive black-hole pairs with very uneven mass ratios. These systems all emit electromagnetic waves, i.e. they have electromagnetic counterparts. They also emit gravitational waves and could also be accelerators of energetic non-photonic particles. I will present my studies and the findings regarding these two types of EMRBs. For (i) the focus will be on the general relativistic dynamics and how we can use them to study the fundamental aspects of physics. For (ii) the focus will be on physical processes and multi-messenger signatures of uneven mass black-hole binaries that are potential targets of future LISA or pulsar-timing-array observations.

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