Gravitational wave probes of compact binaries and observational constraints on alternative models

Abstract

Gravitational wave signals from merging compact binary systems provide unique avenues for testing the general theory of relativity (GR) predictions in the strong-field, dynamic, and relativistic regimes. As the gravitational wave (GW) transient catalogue grows in number and source diversity, designing and implementing tests for these predictions in model-agnostic ways and for specific alternative theory predictions is mandatory. In this presentation, I will introduce the routinely employed model-agnostic tests of the nature of compact objects using the observed binary population and implications of such constraints to alternative models. Then, I will describe theory-specific tests of the nature of compact objects, focusing on spinning black holes in modified GR theories and discuss the possible constraints on such models from current and future GW observations.