arXiv subjects

Sam R. Dolan

Publications and source records attributed to Sam R. Dolan.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2011

Self force via $m$-mode regularization and 2+1D evolution: II. Scalar-field implementation on Kerr spacetime

This is the second in a series of papers aimed at developing a practical time-domain method for self-force calculations in Kerr spacetime. The key elements of the method are (i) removal of a singular part of the perturbation field with a suitable analytic "puncture" based on the Detweiler--Whiting decomposition, (ii) decomposition of the perturbation equations in azimuthal ($m$-)modes, taking advantage of the axial symmetry of the Kerr background, (iii) numerical evolution of the individual $m$-modes in 2+1-dimensions with a finite difference scheme, and (iv) reconstruction of the physical self-force from the mode sum. Here we report an implementation of the method to compute the scalar-field self-force along circular equatorial geodesic orbits around a Kerr black hole. This constitutes a first time-domain computation of the self force in Kerr geometry. Our time-domain code reproduces the results of a recent frequency-domain calculation by Warburton and Barack, but has the added advantage of being readily adaptable to include the back-reaction from the self force in a self-consistent manner. In a forthcoming paper---the third in the series---we apply our method to the gravitational self-force (in the Lorenz gauge).

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

Wave Propagation and Quasinormal Mode Excitation on Schwarzschild Spacetime

To seek a deeper understanding of wave propagation on the Schwarzschild spacetime, we investigate the relationship between (i) the lightcone of an event and its caustics (self-intersections), (ii) the large-$l$ asymptotics of quasinormal (QN) modes, and (iii) the singular structure of the retarded Green function (GF) for the scalar field. First, we recall that the GF has a (partial) representation as a sum over QN modes. Next, we extend a recently-developed expansion method to obtain asymptotic expressions for QN wavefunctions and their residues. We employ these asymptotics to show (approximately) that the QN mode sum is singular on the lightcone, and to obtain approximations for the GF which are valid close to the lightcone. These approximations confirm a little-known prediction: the singular part of the GF undergoes a transition each time the lightcone passes through a caustic, following a repeating four-fold sequence. We conclude with a discussion of implications and extensions of this work.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

Self force via m-mode regularization and 2+1D evolution: Foundations and a scalar-field implementation on Schwarzschild

To model the radiative evolution of extreme mass-ratio binary inspirals (a key target of the LISA mission), the community needs efficient methods for computation of the gravitational self-force (SF) on the Kerr spacetime. Here we further develop a practical `$m$-mode regularization' scheme for SF calculations, and give details of a first implementation. The key steps in the method are (i) removal of a singular part of the perturbation field with a suitable `puncture' to leave a sufficiently regular residual within a finite worldtube surrounding the particle's worldline, (ii) decomposition in azimuthal ($m$-)modes, (iii) numerical evolution of the $m$-modes in 2+1D with a finite difference scheme, and (iv) reconstruction of the SF from the mode sum. The method relies on a judicious choice of puncture, based on the Detweiler--Whiting decomposition. We give a working definition for the `order' of the puncture, and show how it determines the convergence rate of the $m$-mode sum. The dissipative piece of the SF displays an exponentially convergent mode sum, while the $m$-mode sum for the conservative piece converges with a power law. In the latter case the individual modal contributions fall off at large $m$ as $m^{-n}$ for even $n$ and as $m^{-n+1}$ for odd $n$, where $n$ is the puncture order. We describe an $m$-mode implementation with a 4th-order puncture to compute the scalar-field SF along circular geodesics on Schwarzschild. In a forthcoming companion paper we extend the calculation to the Kerr spacetime.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2010

The Quasinormal Mode Spectrum of a Kerr Black Hole in the Eikonal Limit

It is well established that the response of a black hole to a generic perturbation is characterized by a spectrum of damped resonances, called quasinormal modes; and that, in the limit of large angular momentum ($l \gg 1$), the quasinormal mode frequency spectrum is related to the properties of unstable null orbits. In this paper we develop an expansion method to explore the link. We obtain new closed-form approximations for the lightly-damped part of the spectrum in the large-$l$ regime. We confirm that, at leading order in $l$, the resonance frequency is linked to the orbital frequency, and the resonance damping to the Lyapunov exponent, of the relevant null orbit. We go somewhat further than previous studies to establish (i) a spin-dependent correction to the frequency at order $1 / l$ for equatorial ($m = \pm l$) modes, and (ii) a new result for polar modes ($m = 0$). We validate the approach by testing the closed-form approximations against frequencies obtained numerically with Leaver's method.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

On an Expansion Method for Black Hole Quasinormal Modes and Regge Poles

We present a new method for determining the frequencies and wavefunctions of black hole quasinormal modes (QNMs) and Regge poles. The key idea is a novel ansatz for the wavefunction, which relates the high-$l$ wavefunctions to null geodesics which start at infinity and end in perpetual orbit on the photon sphere. Our ansatz leads naturally to the expansion of QNMs in inverse powers of angular momentum $L = l + 1/2$ (in 4D), and to the expansion of Regge poles in inverse powers of frequency. The expansions can be taken to high orders. We begin by applying the method to the Schwarzschild spacetime, and validate our results against existing numerical and WKB methods. Next, we generalise the method to treat static spherically-symmetric spacetimes of arbitrary spatial dimension. We confirm that, at lowest order, the real and imaginary components of the QNM frequency are related to the orbital frequency and the Lyapunov exponent for geodesics at the unstable orbit. We apply the method to five spacetimes of current interest, and conclude with a discussion of the advantages and limitations of the new approach, and its practical applications.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Phenomenology of Production and Decay of Spinning Extra-Dimensional Black Holes at Hadron Colliders

We present results of CHARYBDIS2, a new Monte Carlo simulation of black hole production and decay at hadron colliders in theories with large extra dimensions and TeV-scale gravity. The main new feature of CHARYBDIS2 is a full treatment of the spin-down phase of the decay process using the angular and energy distributions of the associated Hawking radiation. Also included are improved modelling of the loss of angular momentum and energy in the production process as well as a wider range of options for the Planck-scale termination of the decay. The new features allow us to study the effects of black hole spin and the feasibility of its observation in such theories.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2009

Electromagnetic wave scattering by Schwarzschild black holes

We analyze the scattering of a planar monochromatic electromagnetic wave incident upon a Schwarzschild black hole. We obtain accurate numerical results from the partial wave method for the electromagnetic scattering cross section, and show that they are in excellent agreement with analytical approximations. The scattering of electromagnetic waves is compared with the scattering of scalar, spinor and gravitational waves. We present a unified picture of the scattering of all massless fields for the first time.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Scattering of Sound Waves by a Canonical Acoustic Hole

This is a study of a monochromatic planar perturbation impinging upon a canonical acoustic hole. We show that acoustic hole scattering shares key features with black hole scattering. The interference of wavefronts passing in opposite senses around the hole creates regular oscillations in the scattered intensity. We examine this effect by applying a partial wave method to compute the differential scattering cross section for a range of incident wavelengths. We demonstrate the existence of a scattering peak in the backward direction, known as the glory. We show that the glory created by the canonical acoustic hole is approximately 170 times less intense than the glory created by the Schwarzschild black hole, for equivalent horizon-to-wavelength ratios. We hope that direct experimental observations of such effects may be possible in the near future.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Scattering of massless scalar waves by Reissner-Nordström black holes

We present a study of scattering of massless planar scalar waves by a charged non-rotating black hole. Partial wave methods are applied to compute scattering and absorption cross sections, for a range of incident wavelengths. We compare our numerical results with semi-classical approximations from a geodesic analysis, and find excellent agreement. The glory in the backward direction is studied, and its properties are shown to be related to the properties of the photon orbit. The effects of black hole charge upon scattering and absorption are examined in detail. As the charge of the black hole is increased, we find that the absorption cross section decreases, and the angular width of the interference fringes of the scattering cross section at large angles increases. In particular, the glory spot in the backward direction becomes wider. We interpret these effects under the light of our geodesic analysis.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Self-Force Calculations with Matched Expansions and Quasinormal Mode Sums

We present the first application of the Poisson-Wiseman-Anderson method of matched expansions, to compute the self-force acting on a point particle moving in a curved spacetime. The method uses two expansions for the Green function, valid in `quasilocal' and `distant past' regimes, which are matched within the normal neighbourhood. We perform our calculation in a static region of the spherically symmetric Nariai spacetime (dS_2 x S^2), on which scalar perturbations are governed by a radial equation with a Pöschl-Teller potential. We combine (i) a very high order quasilocal expansion, and (ii) an expansion in quasinormal modes, to determine the Green function globally. We show it is singular everywhere on the null wavefront (even outside the normal neighbourhood), and apply asymptotic methods to determine its singular structure. We find the Green function undergoes a transition every time the null wavefront passes through a caustic: the singular part follows a repeating four-fold sequence $δ(σ)$, $1/πσ$, $-δ(σ)$, $-1/πσ$ etc., where $σ$ is Synge's world function. The matched expansion method provides new insight into the non-local properties of the self-force; we find the contribution from the segment of the worldline lying outside the normal neighbourhood is significant. We compute the scalar self-force acting on a static particle, and validate against an alternative method. Finally, we discuss wave propagation on black hole spacetimes (where any expansion in quasinormal modes will be augmented by a branch cut integral) and predict that the Green function in Schwarzschild spacetime will inherit the four-fold singular structure found here.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Polarization of Long-Wavelength Gravitational Waves by Rotating Black Holes

The scattering cross section for a long-wavelength planar gravitational wave impinging upon a rotating black hole is calculated, for the special case in which the direction of incidence is aligned with the rotation axis. We show that black hole rotation leads to a term in the cross section that is proportional to $aω$. Hence, contrary to some claims, co-rotating and counter-rotating helicities are scattered differently, and a partial polarization is induced in an unpolarized incident wave. The scattering amplitudes are found via partial wave series. To compute the series, two ingredients are required: phase shifts and spin-weighted spheroidal harmonics. We show that the phase shifts may be found from low-frequency solutions of the radial Teukolsky equation derived by Mano, Suzuki and Takasugi. The spheroidal harmonics may be expanded in spherical harmonics; we present expansions accurate to second order in $a ω$. The two ingredients are combined to give explicit expressions for the helicity-conserving and helicity-reversing amplitudes, valid in the long-wavelength limit.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Scattering and absorption of gravitational plane waves by rotating black holes

This is a study of the scattering and absorption of planar gravitational waves by a Kerr black hole in vacuum. We apply the partial wave method to compute cross sections for the special case of radiation incident along the rotation axis. A catalogue of numerically-accurate cross sections is presented, for a range of incident wavelengths $Mω\le 4$ and rotation rates $a \le 0.999M$. Three effects are studied in detail: polarization, helicity-reversal and glory scattering. First, a new approximation to the polarization in the long-wavelength limit is derived. We show that black hole rotation distinguishes between co- and counter-rotating wave helicities, leading to a term in the cross section proportional to $aω$. Second, we confirm that helicity is not conserved by the scattering process, and show that superradiance amplifies the effect. For certain wavelengths, the back-scattered flux is enhanced by as much as $\sim 35$ times for a rapidly-rotating hole (e.g. for $a = 0.999M$ at $Mω= 0.945$). Third, we observe regular glory and spiral scattering peaks in the numerically-determined cross sections. We show that the angular width and intensity of the peaks may be estimated via a semi-classical approximation. We conclude with a discussion of the observable implications of our results.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Scattering of Long-Wavelength Gravitational Waves

We consider the scattering of a low-frequency gravitational wave by a massive compact body in vacuum. We apply partial-wave methods to compute amplitudes for the helicity-conserving and helicity-reversing contributions to the cross section, accurate to first order in $Mω$. Contrary to previous claims, we find that the partial-wave cross section agrees with the cross section derived via perturbation-theory methods.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Instability of the massive Klein-Gordon field on the Kerr spacetime

We investigate the instability of the massive scalar field in the vicinity of a rotating black hole. The instability arises from amplification caused by the classical superradiance effect. The instability affects bound states: solutions to the massive Klein-Gordon equation which tend to zero at infinity. We calculate the spectrum of bound state frequencies on the Kerr background using a continued fraction method, adapted from studies of quasinormal modes. We demonstrate that the instability is most significant for the $l = 1$, $m = 1$ state, for $M μ\lesssim 0.5$. For a fast rotating hole ($a = 0.99$) we find a maximum growth rate of $τ^{-1} \approx 1.5 \times 10^{-7} (GM/c^3)^{-1}$, at $M μ\approx 0.42$. The physical implications are discussed.

gr-qc↗