The total merger rate of compact object binaries in the local universe

Using a population synthesis approach, we compute the total merger rate in the local universe for double neutron stars, double black holes, and black hole - neutron star binaries. These compact binaries are the prime source candidates for gravitational wave detection by LIGO and VIRGO. We account for mergers originating both from field populations and from dense stellar clusters, where dynamical interactions can significantly enhance the production of double compact objects. For both populations we use the same treatment of stellar evolution. Our results indicate that the merger rates of double neutron stars and black hole - neutron star binaries are strongly dominated by field populations, while merging black hole binaries are formed much more effectively in dense stellar clusters. The overall merger rate of double compact objects depends sensitively on the ( largely unknown) initial mass fraction contained in dense clusters (f(cl)). For f(cl) less than or similar to 0.0001, the Advanced LIGO detection rate will be dominated by field populations of double neutron star mergers, with a small but significant number of detections, similar to 20yr(-1). However, for a higher mass fraction in clusters, f(cl) greater than or similar to 0.001, the detection rate will be dominated by numerous mergers of double black holes originating from dense clusters, and it will be considerably higher, similar to 25-300 yr(-1). In addition, we show that, once mergers of double black holes are detected, it is easy to differentiate between systems formed in the field and in dense clusters, since the chirp mass distributions are strikingly different. If significant field populations of double black hole mergers are detected, this will also place very strong constraints on common-envelope evolution in massive binaries. Finally, we point out that there may exist a population of merging black hole binaries in intergalactic space.