Description of the thesis topic

The thesis will study theoretical aspects of black hole perturbation theory, with specific focus on the tidal deformability and symmetries of black holes and compact objects.

Work Context

The direct detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO/Virgo interferometers from merging binary systems has opened a new epoch in the study of gravity and compact objects in the strong-field regime. To maximize the science return from the increasing number of gravitational-wave observations and the discovery potential of future detectors, ever more accurate waveform templates are necessary. This requires in particular to have a precise understanding of tidal effects. The tidal deformability of compact objects in a binary system affects the inspiral and in turn the phase of the emitted gravitational-wave signal. Measuring tidal effects is important because it offers important insights on the interior structure of compact objects. In the case of black holes, the tidal deformability depends on the physics at the horizon and is related to the existence of a hidden symmetry structure in general relativity.
The goal of the PhD project is to extend the study of the tidal deformability and symmetries of black holes and compact objects in multiple directions. These include: tidal effects beyond linear response theory and beyond the static regime; the symmetry structure of effective field theories for compact objects in general relativity; tidal deformability of black holes in theories of gravity with additional degrees of freedom.

Constraints and risks

Missions in France and abroad are expected. The thesis is part of a joint PhD programme between the CNRS and the University of Chicago: the candidate is expected to visit the partner group in Chicago once every year, and take part in the group activities.