EikoGrav: Eikonal Exponentiation and Gravitational Waves
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen Mary University of London
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The astounding sensitivity of gravitational-wave (GW) detectors calls for high-precision wave-form calculations. Recently a new technique has emerged to this end: extracting the Post-Minkowskian (PM) limit of General Relativity (GR) from scattering amplitudes.
This action focuses on the connection between amplitudes and GW physics via the eikonal resummation, whereby classical GR emerges via a resummation that turns the 2-to-2 amplitude into a rapidly oscillating eikonal phase. Eikonal methods have proved
instrumental in solving a recent puzzle concerning the high-energy behavior of black-hole collisions to 3PM order, bringing to the forefront the role of radiative corrections to the binary dynamics. The purpose of this action is twofold.
First, we aim to extend the eikonal programme to 4PM order, complementing recent results by including the effects of radiation backreaction on the system and combining 2-to-2 amplitudes with real graviton emissions. The natural arena to investigate this problem is N=8 supergravity, where amplitudes are significantly simpler compared to GR, while most physical and conceptual challenges are still present. Clarifying the problem in N=8 will be instrumental to the inclusion of such effects in Einstein's gravity as well.
Second, we plan to exploit eikonal methods to compute the effects of higher-derivative corrections to GR and to investigate the analytic continuation from gravitational scatterings to bound states, thus making contact with phenomenology.
This proposal includes a detailed plan for the dissemination of the research results of the action, as well as for outreach initiatives aimed at diverse audiences ranging from the general public to graduate and undergraduate students. Moreover, a thorough training plan is outlined. It focuses on the development of the applicant as a research leader, teacher and manager. It aims to enhance his profile to the best standards, for the successful progression of his career beyond this action.
This action focuses on the connection between amplitudes and GW physics via the eikonal resummation, whereby classical GR emerges via a resummation that turns the 2-to-2 amplitude into a rapidly oscillating eikonal phase. Eikonal methods have proved
instrumental in solving a recent puzzle concerning the high-energy behavior of black-hole collisions to 3PM order, bringing to the forefront the role of radiative corrections to the binary dynamics. The purpose of this action is twofold.
First, we aim to extend the eikonal programme to 4PM order, complementing recent results by including the effects of radiation backreaction on the system and combining 2-to-2 amplitudes with real graviton emissions. The natural arena to investigate this problem is N=8 supergravity, where amplitudes are significantly simpler compared to GR, while most physical and conceptual challenges are still present. Clarifying the problem in N=8 will be instrumental to the inclusion of such effects in Einstein's gravity as well.
Second, we plan to exploit eikonal methods to compute the effects of higher-derivative corrections to GR and to investigate the analytic continuation from gravitational scatterings to bound states, thus making contact with phenomenology.
This proposal includes a detailed plan for the dissemination of the research results of the action, as well as for outreach initiatives aimed at diverse audiences ranging from the general public to graduate and undergraduate students. Moreover, a thorough training plan is outlined. It focuses on the development of the applicant as a research leader, teacher and manager. It aims to enhance his profile to the best standards, for the successful progression of his career beyond this action.
