Scattering Amplitudes and Conservative Binary Dynamics at O (G4)
Journal
Physical Review Letters
Journal Volume
126
Journal Issue
17
Start Page
171601
ISSN
0031-9007
1079-7114
Date Issued
2021-04-26
Author(s)
Abstract
Using scattering amplitudes, we obtain the potential contributions to conservative binary dynamics in general relativity at fourth post-Minkowskian order O(G4). As in previous lower-order calculations, we harness powerful tools from the modern scattering amplitudes program including generalized unitarity, the double copy, and advanced multiloop integration methods, in combination with effective field theory. The classical amplitude involves polylogarithms with up to transcendental weight two and elliptic integrals. We derive the radial action directly from the amplitude, and determine the corresponding Hamiltonian in isotropic gauge. Our results are in agreement with known overlapping terms up to sixth post-Newtonian order, and with the probe limit. We also determine the post-Minkowskian energy loss from radiation emission at O(G3) via its relation to the tail effect.
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Type
journal article