In linearized general relativity, we consider spacetime metrics that are perturbatively close to Minkowski, gμν=ημν+hμν, where ημν=diag(−1,1,1,1) and hμν=O(ϵ)≪1. In the Lorenz gauge, the Einstein tensor, at linear order, is given by
Gμν=−21□hˉμν,hˉμν=hμν−21ημνh
where □=ημν∂μ∂ν and h=ημνhμν.
(i) Show that the (fully nonlinear) Einstein equations Gαβ=8πTαβ can be equivalently written in terms of the Ricci tensor Rαβ as
Rαβ=8π(Tαβ−21gαβT),T=gμνTμν
Show likewise that equation (†) can be written as
□hμν=−16π(Tμν−21ημνT)
(ii) In the Newtonian limit we consider matter sources with small velocities v≪1 such that time derivatives ∂/∂t∼v∂/∂xi can be neglected relative to spatial derivatives, and the only non-negligible component of the energy-momentum tensor is the energy density T00=ρ. Show that in this limit, we recover from equation (∗) the Poisson equation ∇2Φ=4πρ of Newtonian gravity if we identify h00=−2Φ.
(iii) A point particle of mass M is modelled by the energy density ρ=Mδ(r). Derive the Newtonian potential Φ for this point particle by solving the Poisson equation.
[You can assume the solution of ∇2φ=f(r) is φ(r)=−∫4π∣r−r′∣f(r′)d3r′. ]
(iv) Now consider the Einstein equations with a small positive cosmological constant, Gαβ+Λgαβ=8πTαβ,Λ=O(ϵ)>0. Repeat the steps of questions (i)-(iii), again identifying h00=−2Φ, to show that the Newtonian limit is now described by the Poisson equation ∇2Φ=4πρ−Λ, and that a solution for the potential of a point particle is given by
Φ=−rM−Br2
where B is a constant you should determine. Briefly discuss the effect of the Br2 term and determine for which range of the radius r the weak-field limit is a justified approximation. [Hint: Absorb the term Λgαβ as part of the energy-momentum tensor. Note also that in spherical symmetry ∇2f=r1∂r2∂2(rf).]