Exploring (astro)physics with gravitational waves

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:13060006,
            doi = {10.48660/13060006},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/13060006},
            author = {Mandel, Ilya},
            keywords = {Strong Gravity},
            language = {en},
            title = {Exploring (astro)physics with gravitational waves},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2013},
            month = {jun},
            note = {PIRSA:13060006 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }
          

Abstract

The ground-based gravitational-wave telescopes LIGO and Virgo approach the era of first detections.  Gravitational-wave observations will provide a unique probe for exploring strong-field general relativity and compact-binary astrophysics.  In this talk, I describe recent predictions regarding the distributions of black-hole and neutron-star binary mergers, and progress on solving the inverse problem of turning gravitational-wave observations into astrophysical information. I highlight some exciting recent investigations into the use of gravitational waves as tests of general relativity.