Alberto Sesana (Penn State)

Prospects for gravitational wave detection with forthcoming pulsar timing arrays - Alberto Sesana Colloquium

ATNF Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

In the next decade the detection of gravitational waves (GW) will
(hopefully) be a reality, opening a completely new window on the
Universe. Massive black hole (MBH) binaries (MBHBs) are expected to
be among the primary actors on this upcoming stage. Utilizing detailed
MBHB population models (based on our current best understanding of
galaxy formation and evolution trough mergers, and on our knowledge of
the relations between MBHs and their hosts), I describe prospects of
detecting GWs with forthcoming pulsar timing arrays (PTAs). A strong
GW background, detectable at a level of 10-100ns timing precision, is
a robust predictions of all the models. Single bright sources may also
be resolvable, providing unique information about MBHB dynamics, and
the physics of the processes driving their final coalescence.