Curvature-Based Method for Measuring Numerical Black-Hole Spins

Accurate determination of spin magnitude and direction over time is crucial for the development of gravitational-wave templates that faithfully reflect the dynamics of generic comparable-mass black-hole binary mergers. We report on the development of a new method for measuring black-hole spins during numerical-relativity simulations of black-hole binary mergers. This method is based on the ``spin scalar,'' a complex scalar field derived from the Coulomb scalar of Beetle \& Burko (2002). Our new method can be used to derive both spin magnitude and direction, and can be combined with other techniques, such as isolated-horizon methods. We present convergence studies, and demonstrations of behavior during precessing mergers of spinning black holes.