Choptuik scaling and the scale invariance of Einstein's equation

The relationship of Choptuik scaling to the scale invariance of Einstein's equation is explored. Ordinary dynamical systems often have limit cycles: periodic orbits that are the asymptotic limit of generic solutions. We show how to separate Einstein's equation into the dynamics of the overall scale and the dynamics of the “scale-invariant” part of the metric. The periodicity of the scale-invariant part implies periodic self-similarity of the spacetime. We also analyze a toy model that exhibits many of the features of Choptuik scaling.