Divergence in mass ratio distributions between low-mass and high-mass coalescing binary black holes

Understand

Coalescing binary black hole (BBH) systems are likely formed via several channels, and it is challenging to understand their formation / evolutionary processes.

• Some features in the mass function of the primary components ($m_1$), such as the distinct Gaussian-like peak located at $\sim 34M_\odot$, have been previously found.
• In this work, we investigate the possible dependence of the mass ratio ($q=m_2/m_1$) distribution on the primary mass.
• We find a Bayesian odds ratio of 18.1 in favor of divergence in the mass ratio distributions between the low- and high-mass ranges over an invariable mass ratio distribution.