Eccentricity in Gravitational Wave Signals from Binary Black Hole Mergers

Eccentricity produces distinct modulations in gravitational wave signals. Recent studies suggest that the presence of orbital eccentricity at merger provides strong evidence for dynamical assembly as a formation mechanism for binary black holes. Although eccentricity has not yet been confidently detected, the possibility of detecting eccentric binaries is becoming more likely with the improved sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors such as LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA. In this work, we investigate the role of eccentricity in binary black hole mergers using numerical relativity (NR) simulations. We focus on identifying eccentric signatures in gravitational waveforms and developing efficient techniques for characterizing these features. Building on previous work using RIFT for parameter estimation in eccentric binaries, this work aims to calibrate our understanding of eccentricity in gravitational wave signals produced by binary black hole systems.