Dynamical descalarization with a jump during a black hole merger

Black holes in scalar-Gauss-Bonnet gravity are prone to scalarization, that is a spontaneous development of scalar hair for strong enough spacetime curvature while the weak field regime theory coincides with general relativity. Since large associated smaller black hole masses, merging can lead dynamical descalarization. This release newly formed case its mass above scalarization threshold. Depending on exact form Gauss-Bonnet coupling function, stable scalarized solutions be either continuously connected Schwarzschild hole, or transitions between two happen jump. By performing simulations head-on collisions descalization, we have demonstrated such jump clearly observed accumulated gravitational wave data multiple merger events different masses. The distinct signature signal will share similarities effects expected from first order matter phase happening during neutron star binary mergers.