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Abstract

The evolving Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA) will revolutionize
our understanding of the formation and evolution of massive black holes along
cosmic history by probing massive black hole binaries in the $10^3-10^7$ solar
mass range out to redshift $z\gtrsim 10$. High signal-to-noise ratio detections
of $\sim 10-100$ binary coalescences per year will allow accurate measurements
of the parameters of individual binaries (such as their masses, spins and
luminosity distance), and a deep understanding of the underlying cosmic massive
black hole parent population. This wealth of unprecedented information can lead
to breakthroughs in many areas of physics, including astrophysics, cosmology
and fundamental physics. We review the current status of the field, recent
progress and future challenges.