Linking Binary Black Hole Sub-Populations to Formation Channels

Explore how gravitational wave detections and multi-messenger astronomy are revealing new insights into binary black hole formation pathways in this 45-minute conference talk. Examine the connections between different black hole sub-populations detected through gravitational waves, Gaia observations of dormant black holes in detached binaries, microlensing surveys of isolated black holes, and time domain surveys capturing black hole birth transients. Learn how these diverse observational approaches are complementing traditional X-ray and radio surveys of accreting black holes to provide a comprehensive view of the stellar mass black hole population. Discover how recent findings are reshaping our understanding of the complete lifecycle of stellar black holes, from their massive star progenitors through core collapse and associated transients, to their evolution as dormant or accreting systems, and their potential fate as gravitational wave sources during mergers. Gain insights into new observational and theoretical strategies being developed to address fundamental questions about stellar black hole evolution and the various formation channels that produce the binary black hole populations we observe today.