Testing compact binary nature in eccentric orbits with third-generation detectors

Abstract

The spin-induced quadrupole moment (SIQM) of a compact object provides a direct null test of the Kerr hypothesis. Most existing gravitational-wave tests of SIQM assume quasi-circular binaries, although dynamical formation channels can produce measurable eccentricity that may persist in the sensitive band of third-generation (3G) detectors. We extend the symmetric SIQM test to eccentric, aligned-spin binaries using a post-Newtonian spinning-eccentric phasing model, and forecast its measurability with Cosmic Explorer (CE) and Einstein Telescope (ET). Single-event Fisher-matrix forecasts show that the impact of eccentricity on SIQM measurement precision depends on the binary parameters and detector configuration, rather than uniformly degrading the measurement. A population study with a truncated eccentric expansion indicates that ET's additional low-frequency eccentric cycles tighten $Δκ_s$ by roughly a factor of two relative to CE (median $0.11$ to $0.12$ versus $0.20$ to $0.23$); the absolute values are indicative only. We further show that quasi-circular template banks can lose significant effectualness for moderately eccentric signals, motivating the development of eccentric-spin template families. Accounting for eccentricity is therefore important both for SIQM measurements and for avoiding systematic losses in searches, and it strengthens tests of the nature of compact objects with 3G gravitational-wave detectors.