Research Projects

This two-year research programme will develop new tools to convert next-generation gravitational-wave (GW) detections into quantitative tests of deviations from general relativity (GR) and potential new physics. It consists of four tightly linked projects that can be carried out in parallel and will mature into specific predictions of observable signatures of deviations from GR. The four research directions are as follows: 1) Quantify beyond-GR signatures in extreme mass ration inspirals: I will extend the shooting-method code developed during my PhD to include parameterised deviations from the Kerr metric, relax the quasi-circular assumption, and add dark-matter drag terms. Such an analysis will 2) Explore near horizon modifications using plunge orbits: As the GW radiation during a plunge is not monochromatic, it could be used to probe the system at frequencies far beyond the innermost circular orbit (ISCO) frequency. By modelling the GW energy spectrum of the plunge with added near-horizon modifications, we will screen how near-horizon modifications will manifest in the GW signals beyond the ISCO frequency. 3) Employ Bayesian hierarchical inference to constrain deviations from GR: The Cosmic Explorer (CE) is expected to detect ∼8 × 10⁵ binary-neutron-star events yearly. I will investigate how parameters in modified theories of gravity could manifest as hyperparameters of mass distributions and perform hierarchical Bayesian analyses to constrain them. Preliminary work with my prospective mentor demonstrates feasibility. 4) Develop new tools to identify black hole mimickers: Black hole mimickers can be modelled by imposing reflective or partially absorbing boundary conditions against perturbations near the would-be horizon. I will study their impact on Love numbers, plunge spectra, GW echoes and other observables. Impact: The project will deliver a coherent set of tools that. (i) Identify signatures of deviations from the Kerr paradigm from EMRIs, which can be tested against observations from next-generation detectors such as LISA. (ii) Develop new methods for identifying modification to general relativity using Bayesian hierarchical inference on GW signals from detectors like the Einstein Telescope. (iii) Develop new tools that can be used to identify black hole mimickers and potential near horizon modification from GW observations. Significance: The outputs of this research will tighten GR bounds and guide search strategies for next-generation detectors such as LISA and the Einstein Telescope. Achieving these objectives would carve out or confirm vast regions of the parameter space of potential modifications to GR; it will deliver powerful tools to identify black hole mimickers and signatures of new physics using gravitational wave observations.