Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Estimating the lensing probability for binary black hole mergers in AGN discs by using mismatch thresholds

    Wen-Long Xu1, Yu-Zhe Li1, Yi-Gu Chen1, Hui Li2,*, and Wei-Hua Lei1,†

    • *Contact author: hli@lanl.gov
    • †Contact author: leiwh@hust.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. D 113, 083003 – Published 2 April, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/sh97-r1xl

    Abstract

    Stellar-mass binary black holes (BBH) may form, evolve, and merge within the dense environments of active galactic nuclei (AGN) discs, thereby contributing to the BBH population detected by gravitational wave (GW) observatories. Mergers occurring in AGN discs may be gravitationally lensed by the central supermassive black hole. Such lensing presents a potential probe of BBH formation channels through its probability. In this work, we calculate the AGN lensing probability of LIGO sources embedded in an AGN disc by relating mismatch threshold to the signal-to-noise ratio. The AGN lensing probability of a GW190521-like event will be ∼3% for the O3 power spectral density (PSD), ∼6% for the Aplus PSD, and ∼33% for the ET PSD. If AGNs are indeed the primary formation channel for BBHs, we could quantify the probability of detecting the lensed GW events in such a scenario. The nondetections, on the other hand, will place stricter constraints on the fraction of AGN disc BBHs and even the birthplaces of BBH mergers.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation