Time Domain Simulations of EMRIs using Finite Element Methods

This is a brief report on time-domain numerical simulations of extreme-mass-ratio binaries based on finite element methods. We discuss a new technique for solving the perturbative equations describing a point-like object orbiting a non-rotating massive black hole and the prospects of using it for the evaluation of the gravitational self-force responsible of the inspiral of these binary systems. We also discuss the perspectives of transferring this technology to the more astrophysically relevant case of a central rotating massive black hole.Comment: 5 pages. Submitted to the proceedings of the 6th LISA symposiu

Vacuum spacetimes with an isometry

In vacuum space-times the exterior derivative of a Killing vector field is a two-form that satisfies Maxwell equations without electromagnetic sources. Using the algebraic structure of this two-form we have set up a new formalism for the study of vacuum space-times with an isometry.Comment: 5 pages, sprocl.sty with LateX 2.09; Contribution to the Spanish Relativity Meeting (ERE 2000), Valladolid, Spain, 6-9.September, 200