paper

Inferring neutron-star Love-Q relations from gravitational waves in the hierarchical Bayesian framework

arXiv:2510.22137 · doi:10.1088/1475-7516/2026/05/086

Abstract

Despite the large uncertainties in the equation of state for neutron stars (NSs), a tight universal ``Love-Q'' relation exists between their dimensionless tidal deformability, , and the dimensionless quadrupole moment, . However, this relation has not yet been directly measured through observations. Gravitational waves (GWs) emitted from binary NS (BNS) coalescences provide an avenue for such a measurement. In this study, we adopt a hierarchical Bayesian framework and combine multiple simulated GW events to measure the Love-Q relation. We simulate 1000 GW sources and select 20 events with the highest signal-to-noise ratios and NS spins for the analysis. By inspecting four parameterization models of the Love-Q relation, we observe strong correlations between the model parameters. We verify that a linear relation between and is practically sufficient to describe the Love-Q relation with the precision expected from next-generation GW detectors. Furthermore, we utilize the inferred Love-Q relation to test modified gravity. Taking the dynamical Chern-Simons gravity as an example, our results suggest that the characteristic length can be constrained to or less with future GW observations.

arXiv comment22 pages, 10 figures; accepted by JCAP

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