Gravitational wave memory in $Λ$CDM cosmology

Abstract

We examine gravitational wave memory in the case where sources and detector are in a $Λ$CDM cosmology. We consider the case where the universe can be highly inhomogeneous, but the gravitatational radiation is treated in the short wavelength approximation. We find results very similar to those of gravitational wave memory in an asymptotically flat spacetime; however, the overall magnitude of the memory effect is enhanced by a redshift-dependent factor. In addition, we find the memory can be affected by lensing.