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Chris Kavanagh

Publications and source records attributed to Chris Kavanagh.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

High-order gravitational late-time tails in Kerr spacetime

We calculate high-order late-time tails of the retarded Green function of the Teukolsky equation for linear field perturbations of (subextremal) Kerr spacetime. We calculate these tails at a fixed spheroidal harmonic $\ell$ and azimuthal number $m$ up to the first three orders for the field point: at finite radius (away from the event horizon) for large Boyer-Lindquist time $t$; along the future event horizon $\mathscr{H}^+$ for large ingoing Eddington-Finkelstein coordinate $v$; and along future null infinity $\mathscr{I}^+$ for large outgoing Eddington-Finkelstein coordinate $u$. We obtain the tail powers for generic integer field spin $s$ and the tail coefficients specifically for gravitational ($s=-2$) perturbations. Our asymptotics include the known leading power-law (generic) tails, respectively,$t^{-2\ell-3}$, $e^{im\Omega_H v}v^{-2\ell-3-b}$ (where $b=1$ for $s>0, m=0$ and $b=0$ otherwise, and where $\Omega_H$ is the angular velocity of the event horizon) and $u^{-\ell+s-2}$, as well as their higher-order logarithmic corrections: $t^{-2\ell-5}\ln t$, $e^{im\Omega_H v}v^{-2\ell-5-b}\ln v$ and $u^{-\ell+s-3}\ln u$ (as well as $u^{-\ell+s-4}\ln^2 u$). Since we obtain the high-order expansions for modes for generic $\ell$ and $m$, we can readily infer the explicit expansions of the {\it full} retarded Green function for $s=-2$ (and its decay powers for generic integer $s$). We obtain the late-time asymptotics from small-frequency expansions of the Fourier modes of the retarded Green function in the frequency domain. Accordingly, we also provide small-frequency expansions of various quantities of interest in the scattering theory. We also attach two notebooks which provide expansions for specific values of $s$: one notebook provides them to the first three leading orders for generic $\ell$ and the other one to arbitrary order for specific values of $\ell$.

gr-qc

Analytical Fluxes from Generic Schwarzschild Geodesics

We present an analytic method for computing gravitational-wave fluxes from bound Schwarzschild geodesics with arbitrary eccentricity. Our approach systematically expands the Fourier coefficients of the emitted radiation in a Chebyshev basis, allowing them to be reduced to sums of Keplerian-like Fourier coefficients previously derived in the Quantum Spectral Method. Because the construction does not rely on a small-eccentricity expansion, it applies to a broad range of bound eccentric orbits. As an illustration, we implement the method using a $15$PN-expanded input and find that it reproduces the total flux for the case $(p,e)=(12.5,0.5)$ to relative accuracy $10^{-5}$, while for the stronger-field case $(p,e)=(10,0.8)$ it yields weighted mode-by-mode errors below $10^{-6}$ for the selected dominant modes analyzed. These results provide an analytic route to frequency-domain flux calculations relevant to extreme-mass-ratio inspirals.

gr-qc

Post-Newtonian expansion of fluxes from a scalar charge on an inclined-spherical orbit about a Kerr black hole

Efforts are underway to accurately model extreme-mass-ratio inspirals for binaries with a spinning (Kerr) primary. At lowest order the adiabatic evolution depends on the radiation fluxes. Fluxes and other self-force quantities can be expanded analytically in post-Newtionian (PN) series allowing the early evolutionary phase to be understood. When it comes to more complicated background geodesic orbits, it proves useful to use the scalar field model problem to guide development and testing of techniques. In this paper, we present analytical expressions for the scalar fluxes from a scalar point-charge in inclined-spherical orbit about a Kerr black hole up to 12PN relative order, with expressions that are exact in terms of the inclination parameter $x$ and black hole spin $a$. The expressions are constructed using the Mano, Suzuki, and Takasugi method of solving the scalar wave equation in a Kerr background. We compare the numerical evaluation of these flux expressions to full numerical ($s=0$) Teukolsky code results, examining their degree of utility as the strong-field region is approached.

gr-qc

Post-Newtonian expansion of gravitational energy and angular momentum fluxes: inclined spherical orbits about a Kerr black hole

We present analytical expressions for the fluxes of energy and angular momentum from a point mass on an inclined spherical orbit about a Kerr black hole. The expressions are obtained using the method of Mano, Suzuki and Takasugi to construct analytical solutions of the Teukolsky equation, and are given as post-Newtonian expansions valid through 12PN, with arbitrary values for the inclination parameter $x$ and black hole spin $a$. We characterize the structure of the PN expansions in terms of their dependence on $x$ and $a$, and we validate our results against numerical calculations.

gr-qc

Gravitational memory: new results from post-Newtonian and self-force theory

We compute the (displacement) gravitational wave memory due to a quasicircular inspiral of two black holes using a variety of perturbative techniques. Within post-Newtonian theory, we extend previous results for non-spinning binaries to 3.5PN order. Using the gravitational self-force approach, we compute the memory at first order in the mass ratio for inspirals into a Kerr black hole. We do this both numerically and via a double post-Newtonian--self-force expansion which we carry out to 5PN order. At second order in the self-force approach, near-zone calculations encounter an infrared divergence associated with memory, which is resolved through matching the near-zone solution to a post-Minkowskian expansion in the far zone. We describe that matching procedure for the first time and show how it introduces nonlocal-in-time memory effects into the two-body dynamics at second order in the mass ratio, as was also predicted by recent 5PN calculations within the effective field theory approach. We then compute the gravitational-wave memory through second order in the mass ratio (excluding certain possible memory distortion effects) and find that it agrees well with recent results from numerical relativity simulations for near-comparable-mass binaries.

gr-qc

Post-Newtonian observables for aligned-spin binaries to sixth order in spin from gravitational self-force and Compton amplitudes

Accurate modeling of compact binaries is essential for gravitational-wave detection and parameter estimation, with spin being an important effect to include in waveform models. In this paper, we derive new post-Newtonian (PN) results for the conservative aligned-spin dynamics at next-to-next-to-leading order for the spin$^3$ and spin$^4$ contributions, in addition to the next-to-leading order (NLO) spin$^5$ and spin$^6$ contributions. One approach we follow is the Tutti Frutti method, which relates PN and gravitational self-force results through the redshift and spin-precession invariants, by making use of the simple dependence of the scattering angle on the symmetric mass ratio. However, an ambiguity arises at the NLO spin$^5$ contribution, due to transcendental functions of the Kerr spin in the redshift; this is also the order at which Compton amplitudes calculations are affected by spurious poles. Therefore, we follow an additional approach to determine the NLO spin$^5$ and spin$^6$ dynamics: using on-shell Compton amplitudes obtained from black hole perturbation theory. The Compton amplitude used in this work is composed of the unambiguous tree-level far-zone part reported in [Phys. Rev. D 109, 084071 (2024)], as well as the full, non-interfering with the far-zone, $\ell=2$ partial wave contributions from the near zone, which are responsible for capturing Kerr finite-size effects. Other results in this paper include deriving the scattering angle of a spinning test body in a Kerr background from a parametrized worldline action, and computing the redshift and spin-precession invariants for eccentric orbits without an eccentricity expansion.

gr-qc

Post-Minkowskian self-force in the low-velocity limit: scalar field scattering

In this paper we present an approach to compute analytical post-Minkowskian corrections to unbound two-body scattering in the self-force formalism. Our method relies on a further low-velocity (post-Newtonian) expansion of the motion. We present a general strategy valid for gravitational and non-gravitational self-force, and we explicitly demonstrate our approach for a scalar charge scattering off a Schwarzschild black hole. We compare our results with recent calculations in [Barack et al., PRD 108, 024025 (2023)], showing complete agreement where appropriate and fixing undetermined scale factors in their calculation. Our results also extend their results by including in our dissipative sector the contributions from the flux into the black hole horizon.

gr-qc

Sourced metric perturbations of Kerr spacetime in Lorenz gauge

We derive a formalism for solving the Lorenz gauge equations for metric perturbations of Kerr spacetime sourced by an arbitrary stress-energy tensor. The metric perturbation is obtained as a sum of differential operators acting on a set of six scalars, with two of spin-weight $\pm2$, two of spin-weight $\pm1$, and two of spin-weight $0$. We derive the sourced Teukolsky equations satisfied by these scalars, with the sources given in terms of differential operators acting on the stress-energy tensor. The method can be used to obtain both linear and higher order nonlinear metric perturbations, and it fully determines the metric perturbation up to a time integral, omitting only static contributions which must be handled separately.

gr-qc

Waveform Modelling for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, will usher in a new era in gravitational-wave astronomy. As the first anticipated space-based gravitational-wave detector, it will expand our view to the millihertz gravitational-wave sky, where a spectacular variety of interesting new sources abound: from millions of ultra-compact binaries in our Galaxy, to mergers of massive black holes at cosmological distances; from the beginnings of inspirals that will venture into the ground-based detectors' view to the death spiral of compact objects into massive black holes, and many sources in between. Central to realising LISA's discovery potential are waveform models, the theoretical and phenomenological predictions of the pattern of gravitational waves that these sources emit. This white paper is presented on behalf of the Waveform Working Group for the LISA Consortium. It provides a review of the current state of waveform models for LISA sources, and describes the significant challenges that must yet be overcome.

gr-qc

Accuracy Requirements: Assessing the Importance of First Post-Adiabatic Terms for Small-Mass-Ratio Binaries

We investigate the impact of post-adiabatic (1PA) terms on parameter estimation for extreme and intermediate mass-ratio inspirals using state-of-the-art waveform models. Our analysis is the first to employ Bayesian inference to assess systematic errors for 1PA waveforms. We find that neglecting 1PA terms introduces significant biases for the (small) mass ratio $\epsilon \gtrsim 10^{-5}$ for quasi circular orbits in Schwarzschild spacetime, which can be mitigated with resummed 3PN expressions at 1PA order. Moreover, we show that the secondary spin is strongly correlated with the other intrinsic parameters, and it can not be constrained for $\epsilon \lesssim 10^{-5}$. Finally, we highlight the need for addressing eccentric waveform systematics in the small-mass-ratio regime, as they yield stronger biases than the circular limit in both intrinsic and extrinsic parameters.

gr-qc

Metric perturbations of Kerr spacetime in Lorenz gauge: Circular equatorial orbits

We construct the metric perturbation in Lorenz gauge for a compact body on a circular equatorial orbit of a rotating black hole (Kerr) spacetime, using a newly-developed method of separation of variables. The metric perturbation is formed from a linear sum of differential operators acting on Teukolsky mode functions, and certain auxiliary scalars, which are solutions to ordinary differential equations in the frequency domain. For radiative modes, the solution is uniquely determined by the $s=\pm2$ Weyl scalars, the $s=0$ trace, and $s=0,1$ gauge scalars whose amplitudes are determined by imposing continuity conditions on the metric perturbation at the orbital radius. The static (zero-frequency) part of the metric perturbation, which is handled separately, also includes mass and angular momentum completion pieces. The metric perturbation is validated against the independent results of a 2+1D time domain code, and we demonstrate agreement at the expected level in all components, and the absence of gauge discontinuities. In principle, the new method can be used to determine the Lorenz-gauge metric perturbation at a sufficiently high precision to enable accurate second-order self-force calculations on Kerr spacetime in future. We conclude with a discussion of extensions of the method to eccentric and non-equatorial orbits.

gr-qc

Scattering in Black Hole Backgrounds and Higher-Spin Amplitudes: Part II

We continue to investigate correspondences between, on the one hand, scattering amplitudes for massive higher-spin particles and gravitons in appropriate quantum-to-classical limits, and on the other hand, classical gravitational interactions of spinning black holes according to general relativity. We first construct an ansatz for a gravitational Compton amplitude, at tree level, constrained only by locality, crossing symmetry, unitarity and consistency with the linearized-Kerr 3-point amplitude, to all orders in the black hole's spin. We then explore the extent to which a unique classical Compton amplitude can be identified by comparing with the results of the classical process of scattering long-wavelength gravitational waves off an exact Kerr black hole, determined by appropriate solutions of the Teukolsky equation. Up to fourth order in spin, we find complete agreement with a previously conjectured exponential form of the tree-level Compton amplitude. At higher orders, we extract tree-level contributions from the Teukolsky amplitude by an analytic continuation from a physical ($a/GM<1$) to a particle-like ($a/GM>1$) regime. Up to the sixth order in spin, we identify a unique \textit{conservative} part of the amplitude which is insensitive both to the choice of boundary conditions at the black hole horizon and to branch choices in the analytic continuation. The remainder of the amplitude is determined modulo an overall sign from a branch choice, with the sign flipping under exchanging purely ingoing and purely outgoing boundary conditions at the horizon. Along the way, we make contact with novel applications of massive spinor-helicity variables pertaining to their relation to EFT operators and (spinning) partial amplitudes.

hep-th

Gravitational perturbations of rotating black holes in Lorenz gauge

Perturbations of Kerr spacetime are typically studied with the Teukolsky formalism, in which a pair of invariant components of the perturbed Weyl tensor are expressed in terms of separable modes that satisfy ordinary differential equations. However, for certain applications it is desirable to construct the full metric perturbation in the Lorenz gauge, in which the linearized Einstein field equations take a manifestly hyperbolic form. Here we obtain a set of Lorenz-gauge solutions to the vacuum field equations in terms of homogeneous solutions to the spin-2, spin-1 and spin-0 Teukolsky equations; and completion pieces that represent perturbations to the mass and angular momentum of the spacetime. The solutions are valid in vacuum Petrov type-D spacetimes that admit a conformal Killing-Yano tensor.

gr-qc

Scattering in Black Hole Backgrounds and Higher-Spin Amplitudes: Part I

The scattering of massless waves of helicity $|h|=0,\frac{1}{2},1$ in Schwarzschild and Kerr backgrounds is revisited in the long-wavelenght regime. Using a novel description of such backgrounds in terms of gravitating massive particles, we compute classical wave scattering in terms of $2\to 2$ QFT amplitudes in flat space, to all orders in spin. The results are Newman-Penrose amplitudes which are in direct correspondence with solutions of the Regge-Wheeler/Teukolsky equation. By introducing a precise prescription for the point-particle limit, in Part I of this work we show how both agree for $h=0$ at finite values of the scattering angle and arbitrary spin orientation. Associated classical observables such as the scattering cross sections, wave polarizations and time delay are studied at all orders in spin. The effect of the black hole spin on the polarization and helicity of the waves is found in agreement with previous analysis at linear order in spin. In the particular limit of small scattering angle, we argue that wave scattering admits a universal, point-particle description determined by the eikonal approximation. We show how our results recover the scattering eikonal phase with spin up to second post-Minkowskian order, and match it to the effective action of null geodesics in a Kerr background. Using this correspondence we derive classical observables such as polar and equatorial scattering angles. This study serves as a preceding analysis to Part II, where the Gravitational Wave ($h=2$) case will be studied in detail.

hep-th

Analytical high-order post-Newtonian expansions for extreme mass ratio binaries

We present analytic computations of gauge invariant quantities for a point mass in a circular orbit around a Schwarzschild black hole, giving results up to 15.5 post-Newtonian order in this paper and up to 21.5 post-Newtonian order in an online repository. Our calculation is based on the functional series method of Mano, Suzuki and Takasugi (MST) and a recent series of results by Bini and Damour. We develop an optimised method for generating post-Newtonian expansions of the MST series, enabling significantly faster computations. We also clarify the structure of the expansions for large values of $\ell$, and in doing so develop an efficient new method for generating the MST renormalised angular momentum, $ν$.

gr-qc

Analytical high-order post-Newtonian expansions for spinning extreme mass ratio binaries

We present an analytic computation of Detweiler's redshift invariant for a point mass in a circular orbit around a Kerr black hole, giving results up to 8.5 post-Newtonian order while making no assumptions on the magnitude of the spin of the black hole. Our calculation is based on the functional series method of Mano, Suzuki and Takasugi, and employs a rigorous mode-sum regularization prescription based on the Detweiler-Whiting singular-regular decomposition. The approximations used in our approach are minimal; we use the standard self-force expansion to linear order in the mass ratio, and the standard post-Newtonian expansion in the separation of the binary. A key advantage of this approach is that it produces expressions that include contributions at all orders in the spin of the Kerr black hole. While this work applies the method to the specific case of Detweiler's redshift invariant, it can be readily extended to other gauge invariant quantities and to higher post-Newtonian orders.

gr-qc

Separable electromagnetic perturbations of rotating black holes

We identify a set of Hertz potentials for solutions to the vector wave equation on black hole spacetimes. The Hertz potentials yield Lorenz gauge electromagnetic vector potentials that represent physical solutions to the Maxwell equations, satisfy the Teukolsky equation, and are related to the Maxwell scalars by straightforward and separable inversion relations. Our construction, based on the GHP formalism, avoids the need for a mode ansatz and leads to potentials that represent both static and non-static solutions. As an explicit example, we specialise the procedure to mode-decomposed perturbations of Kerr spacetime and in the process make connections with previous results.

gr-qc

Gravitational spin-orbit and aligned spin$_1$-spin$_2$ couplings through third-subleading post-Newtonian orders

The study of scattering encounters continues to provide new insights into the general relativistic two-body problem. The local-in-time conservative dynamics of an aligned-spin binary, for both unbound and bound orbits, is fully encoded in the gauge-invariant scattering-angle function, which is most naturally expressed in a post-Minkowskian (PM) expansion, and which exhibits a remarkably simple dependence on the masses of the two bodies (in terms of appropriate geometric variables). This dependence links the PM and small-mass-ratio approximations, allowing gravitational self-force results to determine new post-Newtonian (PN) information to all orders in the mass ratio. In this paper, we exploit this interplay between relativistic scattering and self-force theory to obtain the third-subleading (4.5PN) spin-orbit dynamics for generic spins, and the third-subleading (5PN) spin$_1$-spin$_2$ dynamics for aligned spins. We further implement these novel PN results in an effective-one-body framework, and demonstrate the improvement in accuracy by comparing against numerical-relativity simulations.

gr-qc