Probing the strong gravity regime with eLISA: Progress on EMRIs

Authors :: Sopuerta, Carlos F.
Publication Year :: 2012
Abstract: The capture of a stellar-mass compact object by a supermassive black hole and the subsequent inspiral (driven by gravitational radiation emission) constitute one of the most important sources of gravitational waves for space-based observatories like eLISA/NGO. In this article we describe their potential as high-precision tools that can be used to perform tests of the geometry of black holes and also of the strong field regime of gravity.<br />Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures. LaTeX, ASP style. Plenary talk presented at the 9th International LISA Symposium, 21-25 May 2012, BnF-Paris, France