Postadiabatic waveform-generation framework for asymmetric precessing binaries
Phys. Rev. D 112, 104078 – Published 26 November, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/rbkb-qnxv
Abstract
Recent years have seen rapid progress in calculations of gravitational waveforms from asymmetric compact binaries containing spinning secondaries. Here, we outline a complete waveform-generation scheme, through first postadiabatic order (1PA) in gravitational self-force theory, for generic secondary spin and generic (eccentric, precessing) orbital configurations around a generic Kerr primary. We emphasize the utility of a Fermi-Walker frame in parametrizing the secondary spin, and we analyze precession and nutation effects in the spin-orbit dynamics. We also explain convenient gauge choices within the waveform-generation scheme and the gauge invariance of the resulting waveform. Finally, we highlight that, thanks to recent results due to Grant and Witzany et al., all relevant spin effects at 1PA order can now be computed without evaluating local self-forces or torques.
