Abstract
Coalescing binary neutron stars (NS) are expected to be an important source of gravitational waves (GW) detectable by laser interferometers. We present here a simple method for determining the compactness ratio [Formula presented] of NS based on the observed deviation of the GW energy spectrum from point-mass behavior at the end of inspiral. Our method is based on the properties of quasiequilibrium binary NS sequences and does not require the computation of the full GW signal [Formula presented]. Combined with the measurement of the NS masses during inspiral, the determination of [Formula presented] will allow very strong constraints to be placed on the equation of state of dense nuclear matter.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Physical review letters |
Volume | 89 |
Issue number | 23 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2002 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy