On the interplay between waveform systematics and lensing signatures in gravitational-wave signals
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The exceptional gravitational-wave event GW231123 exhibited unusually high total mass and near-extremal spins, while revealing strong waveform-dependent variations in its inferred source properties. Several follow-up studies favored a lensed interpretation, with reduced waveform systematics, raising the question of whether apparent lensing evidence could arise from waveform modeling systematics. Using GW231123-like numerical-relativity injections, we find that lensing degrees of freedom can reduce waveform discrepancies and yield non-negligible lensing support. However, this behavior is not systematic across injections, and cases where all waveform and lens models favor lensing while reducing waveform discrepancies are not found.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Hegde, Disha, Janquart, Justin
Institutions: UCLouvain, Royal Observatory of Belgium
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7208723863