We present a new computation of the renormalized graviton self-energy induced by a loop of massless, minimally coupled scalars on de Sitter background. Our result takes account of the need to include a finite renormalization of the cosmological constant, which was not included in the first analysis. We also avoid preconceptions concerning structure functions and instead express the result as a linear combination of 21 tensor differential operators. By using our result to quantum-correct the linearized effective field equation we derive logarithmic corrections to both the electric components of the Weyl tensor for gravitational radiation and to the two potentials which quantify the gravitational response to a static point mass.
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Summing gravitational effects from loops of inflationary scalars
We develop a procedure for re-summing the large logarithms induced in gravity by loops of inflationary scalars. We first show how the scalar can be integrated out of the field equations in the presence of constant graviton field. We then extend this result to a fully conserved form which explains the need for a finite renormalization of the cosmological constant which was previously inferred from explicit computation. A variant of the renormalization group turns out to explain the large logarithmic corrections revealed by explicit computation in the electric field strength of gravitational radiation and in the potentials which characterize the response to a point mass. The implications for graviton loops are discussed.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2207514
- PAR ID:
- 10598233
- Publisher / Repository:
- Classical and Quantum Gravity
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Classical and Quantum Gravity
- Volume:
- 41
- Issue:
- 21
- ISSN:
- 0264-9381
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 215007
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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