Regularization of fields for self-force problems in curved spacetime: Foundations and a time-domain application

Dec, 2007
15 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.D 77 (2008) 084008
e-Print:

Citations per year

20082012201620202024024681012
Abstract: (arXiv)
We propose an approach for the calculation of self-forces, energy fluxes and waveforms arising from moving point charges in curved spacetimes. As opposed to mode-sum schemes that regularize the self-force derived from the singular retarded field, this approach regularizes the retarded field itself. The singular part of the retarded field is first analytically identified and removed, yielding a finite, differentiable remainder from which the self-force is easily calculated. This regular remainder solves an effective field equation which enjoys the benefit of having a non-singular source. Solving this effective field equation for the remainder completely avoids the calculation of the singular retarded field along with the attendant difficulties associated with numerically modeling a delta function source. From the differentiable remainder one may compute the self-force, the energy flux, and also a waveform which reflects the effects of the self-force. As a test of principle, we implement this method using a 4th-order (1+1) code, and calculate the self-force for the simple case of a scalar charge moving in a circular orbit around a Schwarzschild black hole. We achieve agreement with frequency-domain results to 0.1% or better.
  • 04.25.Nx
  • 04.25.D-
  • 04.25.dg
  • 04.20.Cv
  • charge: scalar
  • black hole: Schwarzschild
  • energy: flux
  • self-force
  • charge: orbit
  • regularization