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The worldlines (in harmonic coordinates) of two gravitationally interacting massive bodies at the second post-Minkowskian order are described in explicit form. Both the conservative case and the radiation-reacted case are considered. We use our results to check the changes, during scattering, of the individual momenta, as well as of the total angular momentum. High post-Newtonian order values of the $O(G^2)$ radiation-reaction acceleration components are provided for checks of future post-Newtonian computations., Comment: 14 pages, revtex macros used

We discuss the dynamics of a (neutral) test particle in Topological Star spacetime undergoing scattering processes by a superposed test radiation field, a situation that in a 4D black hole spacetime is known as relativistic Poynting-Robertson effect, paving the way for future studies involving radiation-reaction effects. Furthermore, we study self-force-driven evolution of a scalar field, perturbing the Top-Star spacetime with a scalar charge current. The latter for simplicity is taken to be circular, equatorial and geodetic. To perform this study, besides solving all the self-force related problem (regularization of all divergences due to the self-field, mode sum regularization, etc.), we had to adapt the 4D Mano-Suzuki-Takasugi formalism to the present 5D situation. Finally, we have compared this formalism with the (quantum) Seiberg-Witten formalism, both related to the solutions of a Heun Confluent Equation, but appearing in different contexts in the literature, black hole perturbation theory the first, quantum curves in super-Yang-Mills theories the second., Comment: 31 pages, 3 figures for 8 eps files, revtex macros used

Using the Multipolar Post-Minkowskian formalism, we compute the frequency-domain waveform generated by the gravitational scattering of two nonspinning bodies at the fourth post-Minkowskian order ($O(G^4)$, or two-loop order), and at the fractional second Post-Newtonian accuracy ($O(v^4/c^4)$). The waveform is decomposed in spin-weighted spherical harmonics and the needed radiative multipoles, $U_{\ell m}(\omega), V_{\ell m}(\omega)$, are explicitly expressed in terms of a small number of master integrals. The basis of master integrals contains both (modified) Bessel functions, and solutions of inhomogeneous Bessel equations with Bessel-function sources. We show how to express the latter in terms of Meijer G functions. The low-frequency expansion of our results is checked againg existing classical soft theorems. We also complete our previous results on the $O(G^2)$ bremsstrahlung waveform by computing the $O(G^3)$ spectral densities of radiated energy and momentum, in the rest frame of one body, at the thirtieth order in velocity., Comment: 22 pages, revtex macros used

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., Comment: 24 pages

We compute the purely local-in-time (scale-free and logarithm-free) part of the conservative dynamics of gravitationally interacting two-body systems at the fourth post-Minkowskian order, and at the thirtiest order in velocity. The gauge-invariant content of this fourth post-Minkowskian local dynamics is given in two ways: (i) its contribution to the on-shell action (for both hyperboliclike and ellipticlike motions); and (ii) its contribution to the Effective One Body Hamiltonian (in energy gauge). Our computation capitalizes on the Tutti Frutti approach [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{123}, no.23, 231104 (2019)], and on recent post-Minkowskian advances [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{128}, no.16, 161103 (2022)], [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{128}, no.16, 161104 (2022)], and [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{132}, no.22, 221401 (2024)]., Comment: 19 pages, revtex macros used

This paper points out that, in a four-dimensional spacetime manifold, the four coordinates of any point may be viewed as arising from five homogeneous coordinates according to the well-established recipes of projective geometry. Moreover, if the homogeneous coordinates change by a linear transformation, ruled by the coefficients of a matrix of the group GL(5,R), this induces a fractional linear transformation of spherically symmetric spacetime coordinates which can be exploited to bring infinity down to a finite distance. The boundary of spherically symmetric spacetimes here studied is the disjoint union of three points: future timelike infinity, past timelike infinity, spacelike infinity, and the three-dimensional products of half-lines with a 2-sphere. For the single points, the underlying structure is a projective map which destroys the 2-sphere, whereas the two products of a half-line with the 2-sphere arise from a projective map which preserves the 2-sphere. Geodesics are then studied in the projectively transformed (t',r',theta',phi') coordinates for Schwarzschild spacetime, with special interest in their way of approaching our points at infinity. Next, Nariai and de Sitter spacetimes are studied with our projective method. Since the kinds of infinity here defined depend only on the symmetry of interest in a spacetime manifold, they have a broad range of applications, which motivate the innovative analysis of Schwarzschild, Nariai and de Sitter spacetime., Comment: 16 pages in double-column format; 18 plots in 14 figures

We revisit the quantum-amplitude-based derivation of the gravitational waveform emitted by the scattering of two spinless massive bodies at the third order in Newton's constant, $h \sim G+G^2+G^3$ (one-loop level), and correspondingly update its comparison with its classically-derived multipolar-post-Minkowskian counterpart. A spurious-pole-free reorganization of the one-loop five-point amplitude substantially simplifies the post-Newtonian expansion. We find complete agreement between the two results up to the fifth order in the small velocity expansion after taking into account three subtle aspects of the amplitude derivation: (1) in agreement with [arXiv:2312.07452 [hep-th]], the term quadratic in the amplitude in the observable-based formalism [JHEP 02, 137 (2019)] generates a frame rotation by half the classical scattering angle; (2) the dimensional regularization of the infrared divergences of the amplitude introduces an additional $(d-4)/(d-4)$ finite term; and (3) zero-frequency gravitons are found to contribute additional terms both at order $h \sim G^1$ and at order $h \sim G^3$ when including disconnected diagrams in the observable-based formalism., Comment: 29 pages; v2: published version

We investigate the geometrical properties, spectral classification, geodesics, and causal structure of the Bonnor's spacetime [Journal of Physics A Math. Gen., \textbf{10}, 1673 (1977)], i.e., a stationary axisymmetric solution with a rotating dust as a source. This spacetime has a directional singularity at the origin of the coordinates (related to the diverging vorticity field of the fluid there), which is surrounded by a toroidal region where closed timelike curves (CTCs) are allowed, leading to chronology violations. We use the effective potential approach to provide a classification of the different kind of geodesic orbits on the symmetry plane as well as to study the helical-like motion aroud the symmetry axis on a cylinder with constant radius. In the former case we find that as a general feature for positive values of the angular momentum test particles released from a fixed space point and directed towards the singularity are repelled and scattered back as soon as they approach the CTC boundary, without reaching the central singularity. In contrast, for negative values of the angular momentum there exist conditions in the parameter space for which particles are allowed to enter the pathological region. Finally, as a more realistic mechanism, we study accelerated orbits undergoing friction forces due to the interaction with the background fluid, which may also act in order to prevent particles from approaching the CTC region., Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures (10 eps files); v2: new Section IV added

We compare recent one-loop-level, scattering-amplitude-based, computations of the classical part of the gravitational bremsstrahlung waveform to the frequency-domain version of the corresponding Multipolar-Post-Minkowskian waveform result. When referring the one-loop result to the classical averaged momenta $\bar p_a = \frac12 (p_a+p'_a)$, the two waveforms are found to agree at the Newtonian and first post-Newtonian levels, as well as at the first-and-a-half post-Newtonian level, i.e. for the leading-order quadrupolar tail. However, we find that there are significant differences at the second-and-a-half post-Newtonian level, $O\left( \frac{G^2}{c^5} \right)$, i.e. when reaching: (i) the first post-Newtonian correction to the linear quadrupole tail; (ii) Newtonian-level linear tails of higher multipolarity (odd octupole and even hexadecapole); (iii) radiation-reaction effects on the worldlines; and (iv) various contributions of cubically nonlinear origin (notably linked to the quadrupole$\times$ quadrupole$\times$ quadrupole coupling in the wavezone). These differences are reflected at the sub-sub-sub-leading level in the soft expansion, $ \sim \omega \ln \omega $, i.e. $O\left(\frac{1}{t^2} \right)$ in the time domain. Finally, we computed the first four terms of the low-frequency expansion of the Multipolar-Post-Minkowskian waveform and checked that they agree with the corresponding existing classical soft graviton results., Comment: 23 pages, 2 figures; V2: new Sec. 9 and new references added, minor text modifications; V3: corrected Eqs 8.11, 8.12, 8.13 (and consequently Eq. 9.14), one reference added

We compute the leading order contribution to radiative losses in the case of spinning binaries with aligned spins due to their spin-orbit interaction. The orbital average along hyperboliclike orbits is taken through an appropriate spin-orbit modification to the quasi-Keplerian parametrization for nonspinning bodies, which maintains the same functional form, but with spin-dependent orbital elements. We perform consistency checks with existing PN-based and PM-based results. In the former case, we compare our expressions for both radiated energy and angular momentum with those obtained in [JHEP \textbf{04}, 154 (2022)] by applying the boundary-to-bound correspondence to known results for ellipticlike orbits, finding agreement. The linear momentum loss is instead newly computed here. In the latter case, we also find agreement with the low-velocity limit of recent calculations of the total radiated energy, angular momentum and linear momentum in the framework of an extension of the worldline quantum field theory approach to the classical scattering of spinning bodies at the leading post-Minkowskian order [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{128}, no.1, 011101 (2022), Phys. Rev. D \textbf{106}, no.4, 044013 (2022)]. We get exact expressions of the radiative losses in terms of the orbital elements, even if they are at the leading post-Newtonian order, so that their expansion for large values of the eccentricity parameter (or equivalently of the impact parameter) provides higher-order terms in the corresponding post-Minkowskian expansion, which can be useful for future crosschecks of other approaches., Comment: 10 pages, no figures, revtex macros; v2 minimal text modifications

Based on a previous ansatz by Zel'dovich for the gravitational energy of virtual particle-antiparticle pairs, supplemented with the Holographic Principle, we estimate the vacuum energy in a fairly reasonable agreement with the experimental values of the Cosmological Constant. We further highlight a connection between Wheeler's quantum foam and graviton condensation, as contemplated in the quantum $N$-portrait paradigm, and show that such connection also leads to a satisfactory prediction of the value of the cosmological constant. The above results suggest that the "unnaturally" small value of the cosmological constant may find a quite "natural" explanation once the nonlocal perspective of the large $N$-portrait gravitational condensation is endorsed., Comment: 6 pages, 0 figures

We compute the variation of the Fokker-Wheeler-Feynman total linear and angular momentum of a gravitationally interacting binary system under the second post-Minkowskian retarded dynamics. The resulting $O(G^2)$ equations-of-motion-based, total change in the system's angular momentum is found to agree with existing computations that assumed balance with angular momentum fluxes in the radiation zone., Comment: 18 pages, 2 eps figures

We compute to high post-Newtonian accuracy the 4-momentum (linear momentum, and energy), radiated as gravitational waves in a two-body system undergoing gravitational scattering. We include, for the first time, all the relevant {\it time-asymmetric} effects that arise when consistently going three post Newtonian orders beyond the leading post Newtonian order. We find that the inclusion of time-asymmetric radiative effects (both in tails and in the radiation-reacted hyperbolic motion) is crucial to ensure the mass-polynomiality of the post-Minkowskian expansion ($G$ expansion) of the radiated 4-momentum. Imposing the mass-polynomiality of the corresponding individual impulses determines the conservativelike radiative contributions at the fourth post-Minkowskian order, and strongly constrains them at the fifth post-Minkowskian order., Comment: 38 pages; revtex macros used; V2: slightly expanded version

This Letter proposes a solution of the Vacuum Energy and the Cosmological Constant (CC) paradox based on the Zel'dovich's ansatz, which states that the observable contribution to the vacuum energy density is given by the gravitational energy of virtual particle-antiparticle pairs, continually generated and annihilated in the vacuum state. The novelty of this work is the use of an ultraviolet cut-off length based on the Holographic Principle, which is shown to yield current values of the CC in good agreement with experimental observations., Comment: 4 pages, 0 figures

We compute the metric fluctuations induced by a turbulent energy-matter tensor within the first order Post-Minkowskian approximation. It is found that the turbulent energy cascade can in principle interfere with the process of black hole formation, leading to a potentially strong coupling between these two highly nonlinear phenomena. It is further found that a power-law turbulent energy spectrum $E(k) \sim k^{-n}$ generates metric fluctuations scaling like $x^{n-2}$, where $x$ is a four-dimensional distance from an arbitrary origin in spacetime. This highlights the onset of metric singularities whenever $n <2$, meaning that $2d$ fluid turbulence ($n=3$) yields smooth %(differentiable) metric fluctuations, scaling like $x$, while $3d$ turbulence ($n=5/3$) yields a weakly singular metric $x^{-1/3}$and purely random fluctuations, $n=1$, generate a stronger $1/x$ singularity. Finally, the effect of metric fluctuations on the geodesic motion of test particles is also discussed as a potential technique to extract information on the spectral characteristics of fluctuating spacetime., Comment: 11 pages; 5 figures

Gravitational radiation can be decomposed as an infinite sum of radiative multipole moments, which parametrize the waveform at infinity. The multipolar-post-Minkowskian formalism provides a connection between these multipoles and the source multipole moments, known as explicit integrals over the matter source. The gravitational wave energy, angular momentum and linear momentum fluxes are then expressed as multipolar expansions containing certain combinations of the source moments. We compute several gauge-invariant quantities as "building blocks" entering the multipolar expansion of both radiated energy and angular momentum at the 2.5 post-Newtonian (PN) level of accuracy in the case of hyperboliclike motion, by completing previous studies through the calculation of tail effects up to the fractional 1PN order. We express such multipolar invariants in terms of certain eccentricity enhancement factor functions, which are the counterpart of the well known enhancement functions already introduced in the literature for ellipticlike motion. Finally, we use the complete 2.5PN-accurate averaged energy and angular momentum fluxes to study the associated adiabatic evolution of orbital elements under gravitational radiation reaction., Comment: 25 pages, revtex macros used

In the description of the relativistic two-body interaction, together with the effects of energy and angular momentum losses due to the emission of gravitational radiation, one has to take into account also the loss of linear momentum, which is responsible for the recoil of the center-of-mass of the system. We compute higher-order tail (i.e., tail-of-tail and tail-squared) contributions to the linear momentum flux for a nonspinning binary system either along hyperboliclike or ellipticlike orbits. The corresponding orbital averages are evaluated at their leading post-Newtonian approximation, using harmonic coordinates and working in the Fourier domain. The final expressions are given in a large-eccentricity (or large-angular momentum) expansion along hyperboliclike orbits and in a small-eccentricity expansion along ellipticlike orbits. We thus complete a previous analysis focusing on both energy and angular momentum losses [Phys. Rev. D \textbf{104}, no.10, 104020 (2021)], providing brick-type results which will be useful, e.g., in the high-accurate determination of the radiated impulses of the two bodies undergoing a scattering process., Comment: 15 pages, revtex macros used; v2: Eq. (2.6) (and related) completed; minor text modifications

We briefly review the known properties of Melvin's magnetic universe and study the propagation of test charged matter waves in this static spacetime. Moreover, the possible correspondence between the wave perturbations on the background Melvin universe and the motion of charged test particles is discussed. Next, we explore a simple scenario for turning Melvin's static universe into one that undergoes gravitational collapse. In the resulting dynamic gravitational field, the formation of cosmic double-jet configurations is emphasized., Comment: 28 pages, 4 figures; v2: expanded version, references added; v3: amended version to appear in Phys. Rev. D; v4: typos corrected, reference [10] added

Mass currents in astrophysics generate gravitomagnetic fields of enormous complexity. Gravitomagnetic helicity, in direct analogy with magnetic helicity, is a measure of entwining of the gravitomagnetic field lines. We discuss gravitomagnetic helicity within the gravitoelectromagnetic (GEM) framework of linearized general relativity. Furthermore, we employ the spacetime curvature approach to GEM in order to determine the gravitomagnetic helicity for static observers in Kerr spacetime., Comment: 30 pages; v2: improved version to appear in Phys. Rev. D; v3: typos corrected

The class of Petrov type I curvature tensors is further divided into those for which the span of the set of distinct principal null directions has dimension four (maximally spanning type I) or dimension three (nonmaximally spanning type I). Explicit examples are provided for both vacuum and nonvacuum spacetimes., Comment: v1: 16 pages; v2: 21 pages, references added, discussion expanded; v3: 21 pages, final version matching the published one

The need for more and more accurate gravitational wave templates requires taking into account all possible contributions to the emission of gravitational radiation from a binary system. Therefore, working within a multipolar-post-Minkowskian framework to describe the gravitational wave field in terms of the source multipole moments, the dominant instantaneous effects should be supplemented by hereditary contributions arising from nonlinear interactions between the multipoles. The latter effects are referred to as tails being described in terms of integrals depending on the past history of the source. We compute higher-order tail (i.e., tail-of-tail and tail-squared) contributions to both energy and angular momentum fluxes and their averaged values along hyperboliclike orbits at the leading post-Newtonian approximation, using harmonic coordinates and working in the Fourier domain. Due to the increasing level of accuracy recently achieved in the determination of the scattering angle in a two-body system by several complementary approaches, the knowledge of these terms will provide useful information to compare results from different formalisms., Comment: 14 pages, 1 figure (2 eps files), revtex macros used; v2: Eq. (4.14) corrected

The energy radiated (without the 1.5PN tail contribution which requires a different treatment) by a binary system of compact objects moving in a hyperboliclike orbit is computed in the frequency domain through the second post-Newtonian level as an expansion in the large-eccentricity parameter up to next-to-next-to-leading order, completing the time domain corresponding information (fully known in closed form at the second post-Newtonian of accuracy). The spectrum contains quadratic products of the modified Bessel functions of the first kind (Bessel K functions) with frequency-dependent order (and argument) already at Newtonian level, so preventing the direct evaluation of Fourier integrals. However, as the order of the Bessel functions tends to zero for large eccentricities, a large-eccentricity expansion of the spectrum allows for analytical computation beyond the lowest order., Comment: 23 pages, revtex macros used

The linear-order effects of radiation-reaction on the classical scattering of two point masses, in General Relativity, are derived by a variation-of-constants method. Explicit expressions for the radiation-reaction contributions to the changes of 4-momentum during scattering are given to linear order in the radiative losses of energy, linear-momentum and angular momentum. The polynomial dependence on the masses of the 4-momentum changes is shown to lead to non-trivial identities relating the various radiative losses. At order $G^3$ our results lead to a streamlined classical derivation of results recently derived within a quantum approach. At order $G^4$ we compute the needed radiative losses to next-to-next-to-leading-order in the post-Newtonian expansion, thereby reaching the absolute fourth and a half post-Newtonian level of accuracy in the 4-momentum changes. We also provide explicit expressions, at the absolute sixth post-Newtonian accuracy, for the radiation-graviton contribution to {\it conservative} $O(G^4)$ scattering. At orders $G^5$ and $G^6$ we derive explicit theoretical expressions for the last two hitherto undetermined parameters describing the fifth-post-Newtonian dynamics. Our results at the fifth-post-Newtonian level confirm results of [Nucl. Phys. B \textbf{965}, 115352 (2021)] but exhibit some disagreements with results of [Phys. Rev. D \textbf{101}, 064033 (2020)]., Comment: 46 pages; revtex macros used. V2: References added. V3: Minor changes in the text. V4: Corrected Eqs. 9.9-9.11 by overall signs, corrected Eq. 9.45 and consequent adjustment of related results; Conclusions unchanged

This paper proposes a toy model where, in the Einstein equations, the right-hand side is modified by the addition of a term proportional to the symmetrized partial contraction of the Ricci tensor with the energy-momentum tensor, while the left-hand side remains equal to the Einstein tensor. Bearing in mind the existence of a natural length scale given by the Planck length, dimensional analysis shows that such a term yields a correction linear in h to the classical term, that is instead just proportional to the energy-momentum tensor. One then obtains an effective energy-momentum tensor that consists of three contributions: pure energy part, mechanical stress and thermal part. The pure energy part has the appropriate property for dealing with the dark sector of modern relativistic cosmology. Such a theory coincides with general relativity in vacuum, and the resulting field equations are here solved for a Dunn and Tupper metric, for departures from an interior Schwarzschild solution as well as for a Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker universe., Comment: 3 figures, Revtex4

A recently introduced approach to the classical gravitational dynamics of binary systems involves intricate integrals (linked to a combination of nonlocal-in-time interactions with iterated $\frac1r$-potential scattering) which have so far resisted attempts at their analytical evaluation. By using computing techniques developed for the evaluation of multi-loop Feynman integrals (notably Harmonic Polylogarithms and Mellin transform) we show how to analytically compute all the integrals entering the nonlocal-in-time contribution to the classical scattering angle at the sixth post-Newtonian accuracy, and at the seventh order in Newton's constant, $G$ (corresponding to six-loop graphs in the diagrammatic representation of the classical scattering angle)., Comment: This paper is a significantly extended version of our previous, separate arxiv submission "Gravitational dynamics at O(G^6): perturbative gravitational scattering meets experimental mathematics" e-Print: 2008.09389 [gr-qc]. The most significant extension is that we now present results at the 7th order in G. 24 pages; revtex macros used; 1 ancillary file

In Cosmology and in Fundamental Physics there is a crucial question like: where the elusive substance that we call Dark Matter is hidden in the Universe and what is it made of?, that, even after 40 years from the Vera Rubin seminal discovery does not have a proper answer. Actually, the more we have investigated, the more this issue has become strongly entangled with aspects that go beyond the established Quantum Physics, the Standard Model of Elementary particles and the General Relativity and related to processes like the Inflation, the accelerated expansion of the Universe and High Energy Phenomena around compact objects. Even Quantum Gravity and very exotic DM particle candidates may play a role in framing the Dark Matter mystery that seems to be accomplice of new unknown Physics. Observations and experiments have clearly indicated that the above phenomenon cannot be considered as already theoretically framed, as hoped for decades. The Special Topic to which this review belongs wants to penetrate this newly realized mystery from different angles, including that of a contamination of different fields of Physics apparently unrelated. We show with the works of this ST that this contamination is able to guide us into the required new Physics. This review wants to provide a good number of these "paths or contamination" beyond/among the three worlds above; in most of the cases, the results presented here open a direct link with the multi-scale dark matter phenomenon, enlightening some of its important aspects. Also in the remaining cases, possible interesting contacts emerges., Comment: 64 pages 16 Figures. In print on Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, for the Research Topic: "When Planck, Einstein and Vera Rubin Meet. Dark Matter: What is it ? Where is it?"

A recently introduced approach to the gravitational dynamics of binary systems involves intricate integrals, linked to nonlocal-in-time interactions arising at the 5-loop level of classical gravitational scattering. We complete the analytical evaluation of classical gravitational scattering at the sixth order in Newton's constant, $G$, and at the sixth post-Newtonian accuracy. We use computing techniques developed for the evaluation of multi-loop Feynman integrals to obtain our results in two ways: high-precision arithmetic, yielding reconstructed analytic expressions, and direct integration {\it via} Harmonic Polylogarithms. The analytic expression of the tail contribution to the scattering involve transcendental constants up to weight four., Comment: 9 pages, no figures, one ancillary text file

We complete our previous derivation, at the sixth post-Newtonian (6PN) accuracy, of the local-in-time dynamics of a gravitationally interacting two-body system by giving two gauge-invariant characterizations of its complementary nonlocal-in-time dynamics. On the one hand, we compute the nonlocal part of the scattering angle for hyberboliclike motions; and, on the other hand, we compute the nonlocal part of the averaged (Delaunay) Hamiltonian for ellipticlike motions. The former is computed as a large-angular-momentum expansion (given here to next-to-next-to-leading order), while the latter is given as a small-eccentricity expansion (given here to the tenth order). We note the appearance of $\zeta(3)$ in the nonlocal part of the scattering angle. The averaged Hamiltonian for ellipticlike motions then yields two more gauge-invariant observables: the energy and the periastron precession as functions of orbital frequencies. We point out the existence of a hidden simplicity in the mass-ratio dependence of the gravitational-wave energy loss of a two-body system., Comment: 59 pages, no figures, one ancillary text file

Using a recently introduced method [Phys.\ Rev.\ Lett.\ {\bf 123}, 231104 (2019)], which splits the conservative dynamics of gravitationally interacting binary systems into a non-local-in-time part and a local-in-time one, we compute the local part of the dynamics at the sixth post-Newtonian (6PN) accuracy. Our strategy combines several theoretical formalisms: post-Newtonian, post-Minkowskian, multipolar-post-Minkowskian, effective-field-theory, gravitational self-force, effective one-body, and Delaunay averaging. The full functional structure of the local 6PN Hamiltonian (which involves 151 numerical coefficients) is derived, but contains four undetermined numerical coefficients. Our 6PN-accurate results are complete at orders $G^3$ and $G^4$, and the derived $O(G^3)$ scattering angle agrees, within our 6PN accuracy, with the computation of [Phys.\ Rev.\ Lett.\ {\bf 122}, no. 20, 201603 (2019)]. All our results are expressed in several different gauge-invariant ways. We highlight, and make a crucial use of, several aspects of the hidden simplicity of the mass-ratio dependence of the two-body dynamics., Comment: 36 pages, 1 figure

We compute the first-order self-force contribution to Detweiler's redshift invariant for extended bodies endowed with both dipolar and quadrupolar structure (with spin-induced quadrupole moment) moving along circular orbits on a Schwarzschild background. Our analysis includes effects which are second order in spin, generalizing previous results for purely spinning particles. The perturbing body is assumed to move on the equatorial plane, the associated spin vector being orthogonal to it. The metric perturbations are obtained by using a standard gravitational self-force approach in a radiation gauge. Our results are accurate through the 6.5 post-Newtonian order, and are shown to reproduce the corresponding post-Newtonian expression for the same quantity computed by using the available Hamiltonian from an effective field theory approach for the dynamics of spinning binaries., Comment: 18 pages, revtex macros

Using the new methodology introduced in a recent Letter [Phys.\ Rev.\ Lett.\ {\bf 123}, 231104 (2019)], we present the details of the computation of the conservative dynamics of gravitationally interacting binary systems at the fifth post-Newtonian (5PN) level, together with its extension at the fifth-and-a-half post-Newtonian (5.5PN) level. We present also the sixth post-Newtonian (6PN) contribution to the third-post-Minkowskian (3PM) dynamics. Our strategy combines several theoretical formalisms: post-Newtonian, post-Minkowskian, multipolar-post-Minkowskian, gravitational self-force, effective one-body, and Delaunay averaging. We determine the full functional structure of the 5PN Hamiltonian (which involves 95 non-zero numerical coefficients), except for two undetermined coefficients proportional to the cube of the symmetric mass ratio, and to the fifth and sixth power of the gravitational constant, $G$. We present not only the 5PN-accurate, 3PM contribution to the scattering angle, but also its 6PN-accurate generalization. Both results agree with the corresponding truncations of the recent 3PM result of Bern et al. [Phys.\ Rev.\ Lett.\ {\bf 122}, 201603 (2019)]. We also compute the 5PN-accurate, fourth-post-Minkowskian (4PM) contribution to the scattering angle, including its nonlocal contribution, thereby offering checks for future 4PM calculations. We point out a remarkable hidden simplicity of the gauge-invariant functional relation between the radial action and the effective-one-body energy and angular momentum., Comment: 39 pages; 2 figures

Timelike geodesics on a hyperplane orthogonal to the symmetry axis of the G\"odel spacetime appear to be elliptic-like if standard coordinates naturally adapted to the cylindrical symmetry are used. The orbit can then be suitably described through an eccentricity-semi-latus rectum parametrization, familiar from the Newtonian dynamics of a two-body system. However, changing coordinates such planar geodesics all become explicitly circular, as exhibited by Kundt's form of the G\"odel metric. We derive here a one-to-one correspondence between the constants of the motion along these geodesics as well as between the parameter spaces of elliptic-like versus circular geodesics. We also show how to connect the two equivalent descriptions of particle motion by introducing a pair of complex coordinates in the 2-planes orthogonal to the symmetry axis, which brings the metric into a form which is invariant under M\"obius transformations preserving the symmetries of the orbit, i.e., taking circles to circles., Comment: 17 pages, 4 figures

The post-Minkowskian approach to gravitationally interacting binary systems ({\it i.e.}, perturbation theory in $G$, without assuming small velocities) is extended to the computation of the dynamical effects induced by the tidal deformations of two extended bodies, such as neutron stars. Our derivation applies general properties of perturbed actions to the effective field theory description of tidally interacting bodies. We compute several tidal invariants (notably the integrated quadrupolar and octupolar actions) at the first post-Minkowskian order. The corresponding contributions to the scattering angle are derived., Comment: 18 pages, 1 figure, revtex macros used

An Ermakov-Pinney-like equation associated with the scalar wave equation in curved space-time is here studied. The example of Schwarzschild space-time considered in the present work shows that this equation can be viewed more as a model equation, with interesting applications in black hole physics. Other applications studied involve cosmological space-times (de Sitter) and pulse of plane gravitational waves. In all these cases the evolution of the Ermakov-Pinney field seems to be consistent with a rapid blow-up, unlike the Schwarzschild case where spatially damped oscillations are allowed. Eventually, the phase function is also evaluated in many of the above space-time models., Comment: 20 pages, 10 figures. The presentation has been improved

TEOBResumS and SEOBNRv4 are the two existing semi-analytical gravitational waveform models for spin-aligned coalescing black hole binaries based on the effective-one-body approach.They are informed by numerical relativity simulations and provide the relative dynamics and waveforms from early inspiral to plunge, merger and ringdown The central building block of each model is the EOB resummed Hamiltonian.The two models implement different Hamiltonians that are both deformations of the Hamiltonian of a test spinning black hole moving around a Kerr black hole.Here we analytically compare, element by element, the two Hamiltonians. In particular: we illustrate that one can introduce a centrifugal radius SEOBNRv4, so to rewrite the Hamiltonian in a more compact form that is analogous to the one of TEOBResumS.The latter centrifugal radius cannot, however, be identified with the one used in TEOBResumS because the two models differ in their ways of incorporating spin effects in their respective deformations of the background Kerr Hamiltonian. We performed extensive comparisons between the energetics corresponding to the two Hamiltonians using gauge-invariant quantities. Finally, as an exploratory investigation, we apply the post-adiabatic approximation to the newly rewritten SEOBNRv4 Hamiltonian, illustrating that it is possible to generate long-inspiral waveforms with negligible computational cost., Comment: 23 pages, 13 figures. Submitted to Phys. Rev. D

We introduce a new methodology for deriving the conservative dynamics of gravitationally interacting binary systems. Our approach combines, in a novel way, several theoretical formalisms: post-Newtonian, post-Minkowskian, multipolar-post-Minkowskian, gravitational self-force, and effective one-body. We apply our method to the derivation of the fifth post-Newtonian dynamics. By restricting our results to the third post-Minkowskian level, we give the first independent confirmation of the recent result of Bern {\it et al.} [Phys.\ Rev.\ Lett.\ {\bf 122}, 201603 (2019)]. We also offer checks for future fourth post-Minkowskian calculations. Our technique can, in principle, be extended to higher orders of perturbation theory., Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure

We provide a prescription to solve the metric completion problem in gravitational self-force calculations on a Kerr spacetime by fixing the remaining gauge freedom. We discuss the explicit example of eccentric equatorial orbits, recovering all limiting cases already studied in the literature of eccentric orbits in Schwarzschild as well as circular orbits in both Schwarzschild and Kerr spacetimes., Comment: 13 pages, revtex macros; improved version: new section added

We analytically compute the gravitational self-force correction to the gyroscope precession along slightly eccentric equatorial orbits in the Kerr spacetime, generalizing previous results for the Schwarzschild spacetime. Our results are accurate through the 9.5 post-Newtonian order and to second order in both eccentricity and rotation parameter. We also provide a post-Newtonian check of our results based on the currently known Hamiltonian for spinning binaries., Comment: 19 pages, revtex macros

We present the first analytical computation of the (conservative) gravitational self-force correction to the periastron advance around a spinning black hole. Our result is accurate to the second order in the rotational parameter and through the 9.5 post-Newtonian level. It has been obtained as the circular limit of the correction to the gyroscope precession invariant along slightly eccentric equatorial orbits in the Kerr spacetime. The latter result is also new and we anticipate here the first few terms only of the corresponding post-Newtonian expansion., Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure, revtex macros

The Detweiler-Barack-Sago redshift function for particles moving along slightly eccentric equatorial orbits around a Kerr black hole is currently known up to the second order in eccentricity, second order in spin parameter, and the 8.5 post-Newtonian order. We improve the analytical computation of such a gauge-invariant quantity by including terms up to the fourth order in eccentricity at the same post-Newtonian approximation level. We also check that our results agrees with the corresponding post-Newtonian expectation of the same quantity, calculated by using the currently known Hamiltonian for spinning binaries., Comment: 15 pages, revtex macros

We investigate the motion of uncharged particles scattered by a binary system consisting of extremely charged black holes in equilibrium as described by the Majumdar-Papapetrou solution. We focus on unbound orbits confined to the plane containing both black holes. We consider the two complementary situations of particles approaching the system along a direction parallel to the axis where the black holes are displaced and orthogonal to it. We numerically compute the scattering angle as a function of the particle's conserved energy parameter, which provides a gauge-invariant information of the scattering process. We also study the precession of a test gyroscope along such orbits and evaluate the accumulated precession angle after a full scattering, which is another gauge-invariant quantity., Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures

We study elliptic-like geodesic motion on hyperplanes orthogonal to the cylindrical symmetry axes of the Godel spacetime by using an eccentricity-semi-latus rectum parametrization which is familiar from the Newtonian description of a two-body system. We compute several quantities which summarize the main features of the motion, namely the coordinate time and proper time periods of the radial motion, the frequency of the azimuthal motion, the full variation of the azimuthal angle over a period, etc. Exact as well as approximate (i.e., Taylor-expanded in the limit of small eccentricity) analytic expressions of all these quantities are obtained. Finally, we consider their application to the gyroscope precession frequency along these orbits, generalizing the existing results for the circular case., Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures; revtex macros

Observational data from the ESA astrometric mission Gaia determining the positions of celestial objects within an accuracy of few microarcseconds will be soon fully available. Other satellite-based space missions are currently planned to significantly improve such precision in the next years. The data reduction process needs high-precision general relativistic models, allowing one to solve the inverse ray-tracing problem in the gravitational field of the Solar System up to the requested level of accuracy and leading then to the estimate of astrometric parameters. Besides a satisfactory description of the background field due to the planets (which should include their multipolar structure), one should consider also other effects which may induce modifications to the light propagation. For instance, the interaction of the light signal with the superposed gravitational field of a gravitational wave emitted by a distant source would cause a shift in the apparent positions of the stars. We compute here the main astrometric observables needed for data reduction of satellite-based missions in the presence of a passing plane gravitational wave. We also take into account the effect of the mass quadrupole moment of the planets, improving previous results obtained for Gaia., Comment: 15 pages, revtex macros; published version

The energy content of cylindrical gravitational wave spacetimes is analyzed by considering two local descriptions of energy associated with the gravitational field, namely those based on the C-energy and the Bel-Robinson super-energy tensor. A Poynting-Robertson-like effect on the motion of massive test particles, beyond the geodesic approximation, is discussed, allowing them to interact with the background field through an external force which accounts for the exchange of energy and momentum between particles and waves. In addition, the relative strains exerted on a bunch of particles displaced orthogonally to the direction of propagation of the wave are examined, providing invariant information on spacetime curvature effects caused by the passage of the wave. The explicit examples of monochromatic waves with either a single or two polarization states as well as pulses of gravitational radiation are discussed., Comment: 24 pages, 9 figures

Spinning neutron stars acquire a quadrupole moment due to their own rotation. This quadratic-in-spin, self-spin effect depends on the equation of state (EOS) and affects the orbital motion and rate of inspiral of neutron star binaries. We incorporate the EOS-dependent self-spin (or monopole-quadrupole) terms in the spin-aligned effective-one-body (EOB) waveform model TEOBResumS at next-to-next-to-leading (NNLO) order, together with other (bilinear, cubic and quartic) nonlinear-in-spin effects (at leading order, LO). The structure of the Hamiltonian of TEOBResumS is such that it already incorporates, in the binary black hole case, the recently computed quartic-in-spin LO term. Using the gauge-invariant characterization of the phasing provided by the function $Q_\omega=\omega^2/\dot{\omega}$ of $\omega=2\pi f$ , where $f$ is the gravitational wave frequency, we study the EOS dependence of the self-spin effects and show that: (i) the next-to-leading order (NLO) and NNLO monopole-quadrupole corrections yield increasingly phase-accelerating effects compared to the corresponding LO contribution; (ii) the standard TaylorF2 post-Newtonian (PN) treatment of NLO (3PN) EOS-dependent self-spin effects makes their action stronger than the corresponding EOB description; (iii) the addition to the standard 3PN TaylorF2 post-Newtonian phasing description of self-spin tail effects at LO allows one to reconcile the self-spin part of the TaylorF2 PN phasing with the corresponding TEOBResumS one up to dimensionless frequencies $M\omega\simeq 0.04-0.06$. By generating the inspiral dynamics using the post-adiabatic approximation, incorporated in a new implementation of TEOBResumS, one finds that the computational time needed to obtain a typical waveform (including all multipoles up to $\ell=8$) from 10 Hz is of the order of 0.4 sec., Comment: 22 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. D

The energy content of (exact) electromagnetic and gravitational plane waves is studied in terms of super-energy tensors (the Bel, Bel-Robinson and the --less familiar-- Chevreton tensors) and natural observers. Starting from the case of single waves, the more interesting situation of colliding waves is then discussed, where the nonlinearities of the Einstein's theory play an important role. The causality properties of the super-momentum four vectors associated with each of these tensors are also investigated when passing from the single-wave regions to the interaction region., Comment: 22 pages, 3 figures, iop macros used. Slightly modified version with respect to the published one: revised quotation of references, new Appendix A included, typos corrected

We generalize to Kerr spacetime previous gravitational self-force results on gyroscope precession along circular orbits in the Schwarzschild spacetime. In particular we present high order post- Newtonian expansions for the gauge invariant precession function along circular geodesics valid for arbitrary Kerr spin parameter and show agreement between these results and those derived from the full post-Newtonian conservative dynamics. Finally we present strong field numerical data for a range of the Kerr spin parameter, showing agreement with the GSF-PN results, and the expected lightring divergent behaviour. These results provide useful testing benchmarks for self- force calculations in Kerr spacetime, and provide an avenue for translating self-force data into the spin-spin coupling in effective-one-body models., Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures