Gravitational Waves, Radiation Reaction, and Black Hole Systems

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). When a small black hole orbits a much larger one, it emits gravitational waves and slowly spirals inward. This award supports a research program focused on the rate of inspiral of such systems and related features which are imprinted into the gravitational waves. Careful theoretical understanding provides valuable insight into the nature of gravitational wave sources. When combined with the ongoing effort to detect gravitational waves, this will generate detailed tests of our knowledge both of gravitation and of the fundamental astronomical processes ongoing in the Universe.

Research in the fundamental areas of physics has historically led to unexpected benefits of unforeseen consequences and broad impact. Future scientists are particularly fascinated by relativity and astrophysics. A definite benefit of this effort includes educating and training students in scientific approaches to the solution of difficult theoretical and technical problems.