IMR consistency tests with higher modes on gravitational signals from the second observing run of LIGO and Virgo

Abstract

Current tests of general relativity are performed using approximations which neglect a key feature of complete solution of Einstein's theory: higher-order modes. Our analysis will reassess these tests, including these higher-order mode effects. We have chosen to perform inspiral-merger-ringdown consistency tests on the gravitational transients detected by LIGO and Virgo during the observing run O2. We use an approximant which includes all higher modes with ℓ ≤ 4 (NRSur7dq2) and then, for three selected cases, we repeat the tests involving fits on numerical relativity simulations. The results are consist with the predictions of general relativity and the combined posterior distribution for the analyzed events does not show deviations from GR above the 39.3% confidence level.