Speaker
Description
In the small mass ratio limit, eccentric binary systems can be modelled up to the separatrix crossing within the self-force framework by using first principles. At this stage, the timescale of the dynamics changes, and the prescription of post-adiabatic expansion ceases to be applicable. In the quasi-circular case, the development of a transition-to-plunge model, together with a post-geodesic expansion makes it possible to calculate full trajectories and waveforms from the inspiral to the plunge.
In this presentation, we introduce a model that addresses the transition to plunge for eccentric binary systems. Starting at the separatrix crossing, the secondary is expected to evolve along a perturbed homoclinic orbit before it transits to the merger phase. We present different phases of the motion with different expansions in the mass ratio, and compute waveforms on these trajectories.