The group's research on strong gravity involves finding analytical and numerical solutions of Einstein's theory of general relativity, and many of its extensions, either in vacuum or coupled to various types of matter. For our latest developments/activities in this area, please see the listing at the end of this article.
The prime examples of (relativistic) strong gravitational systems are Black Holes. They are truly unifying objects of all physics. The understanding of their formation and dynamics requires the laws of all four fundamental forces, and their physics is relevant not only for astrophysics and cosmology but for a variety of topics within high energy physics.
See here a movie made by the COST action `Black holes in a violent universe', in which our group participates, for a visual overview of different types of black holes.
Probing Ultralight Bosons with Binary Black Holes
Daniel Baumann, Horng Sheng Chia, Rafael A. Porto
A plausible model of inflation driven by strong gravitational wave turbulence
Sebastien Galtier (LPP), Jason Laurie, Sergey V. Nazarenko (INPHYNI)
Next generation of gravitational wave detectors will have the sensibility to detect potential deviations in gravitational waveforms with respect to general relativity. However, current agnostic tests are plagued by a lack of realistic deviations, making it difficult to interpret such detections with respect to specific theories.
Zeus Sales Moreira successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis on March 31st 2025, which was advised by C. Herdeiro. The committee was composed by Profs. Darío Nunez, Eugen Radu, Alberto Saa and Gonzalmo Olmo and unanimously praised the excellent work of the candidate. Congratulations Zeus and all the best for the future!
Black holes are the most massive objects in the Universe and provide an ideal testing ground for gravity in the strong field regime.