2020/10/31 by Gustav Mogull, Jan Plefka, Jan Steinhoff · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #hep-th #gr-qc
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/jhep02(2021)048
v3: published version
arxiv created 2021/02/04 · arxiv updated 2021/02/24
A precise link is derived between scalar-graviton S-matrix elements and expectation values of operators in a worldline quantum field theory (WQFT), both used to describe classical scattering of a pair of black holes. The link is formally provided by a worldline path integral representation of the graviton-dressed scalar propagator, which may be inserted into a traditional definition of the S-matrix in terms of time-ordered correlators. To calculate expectation values in the WQFT a new set of Feynman rules is introduced which treats the gravitational field hμν(x) and position xiμ(τi) of each black hole on equal footing. Using these both the next-order classical gravitational radiation ⟨ hμν(k)⟩ (previously unknown) and deflection Δpiμ from a binary black hole scattering event are obtained. The latter can also be obtained from the eikonal phase of a 2→2 scalar S-matrix, which we show to correspond to the free energy of the WQFT.