Non-linear dynamics of binary boson stars*

Particle physics models of dark matter, and extensions to the Standard Model, predict the existence of a large abundance of light scalar degrees of freedom in the universe. From a diffuse cloud, these can form into rotating clumps of energy - boson stars. Additionally, due to their high compactness, close to that of black holes, and numerically favorable properties, these solutions serve as excellent test beds to study the non-linear dynamics of a large class of ultra-compact objects. We discuss the non-linear dynamics of binary boson star systems particularly during merger and ringdown, as well as their possible observational signatures.