Probing dark matter halos by gravitational waves

Abstract

Gravitational waves open a new possibility in the detection of small dark matter halos. In this study we examine the gravitational lensing properties of the Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) density profile, which is the most used model to describe cold dark matter halos. We also analyze the influence of the NFW halos on gravitational waves and, lastly, we study the effects of this interaction on the detection of the already mentioned waves. By exploring this effects, our objective is to understand better the interaction of gravitational waves and dark matter, two subjects shrouded in mistery.