Tight constraints on Einstein-dilation-Gauss-Bonnet gravity from GW190412 and GW190814

Gravitational-wave (GW) data can be used to test general relativity in the highly nonlinear and strong field regime. Modified gravity theories such as Einstein-dilation-Gauss-Bonnet and dynamical Chern-Simons can be tested with the additional GW signals detected in the first half of the third observing run of Advanced LIGO/Virgo. Specifically, we analyze gravitational-wave data of GW190412 and GW190814 to place constraints on the parameters of these two theories. Our results indicate that dynamical Chern-Simons gravity remains unconstrained. For Einstein-dilation-Gauss-Bonnet gravity, we find root alpha(EdGB)less than or similar to 0.40 km when considering GW190814 data, assuming it is a black hole binary. Such a constraint are improved by a factor of approximately 10 in comparison to that set by the first Gravitational-Wave Transient Catalog events.

Automated summary

Gravitational-wave data can be used to test modified gravity theories, with dynamical Chern-Simons gravity remaining unconstrained and constraints on Einstein-dilation-Gauss-Bonnet gravity parameters improved by a factor of approximately 10 based on GW190814 data.