Axiomatic approach to radiation reaction of scalar point particles in curved spacetime

Theodore C. Quinn
Phys. Rev. D 62, 064029 – Published 28 August 2000
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Abstract

Several different methods have recently been proposed for calculating the motion of a point particle coupled to a linearized gravitational field on a curved background. These proposals are motivated by the hope that the point particle system will accurately model certain astrophysical systems which are promising candidates for observation by the new generation of gravitational wave detectors. Because of its mathematical simplicity, the analogous system consisting of a point particle coupled to a scalar field provides a useful context in which to investigate these proposed methods. In this paper, we generalize the axiomatic approach of Quinn and Wald in order to produce a general expression for the self-force on a point particle coupled to a scalar field following an arbitrary trajectory on a curved background. Our equation includes the leading order effects of the particle’s own fields, commonly referred to as “self-force” or “radiation reaction” effects. We then explore the equations of motion which follow from this expression in the absence of non-scalar forces.

  • Received 10 May 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.62.064029

©2000 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Theodore C. Quinn

  • Enrico Fermi Institute and Department of Physics, The University of Chicago, 5640 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637-1433

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Vol. 62, Iss. 6 — 15 September 2000

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