Tidal Disruptions of White Dwarfs: Theoretical Models and Observational Prospects

Understand

White dwarf stars that enter the tidal radius of black holes with masses $\lesssim$ $10^5$ M$_{\odot}$ are doomed to be ripped apart by tidal forces.

• Black holes in this mass range between stellar black holes and supermassive black holes have not been conclusively identified so the detection of a tidal disruption of a white dwarf would provide clear evidence for the existence of intermediate-mass black holes.
• In this review, we present a theoretical and observational overview of the transient events that result from the tidal disruptions of white dwarfs by intermediate-mass black holes.
• This includes discussion of the latest simulations and predicted properties, the results of observational searches, as well as a summary of the potential for gravitational wave emission to be detected with upcoming missions.