The general relativistic Poynting-Robertson effect

TL;DR

This paper develops a general relativistic model of the Poynting-Robertson effect, extending previous special relativistic and Newtonian frameworks to include curved spacetime around massive objects like black holes.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive general relativistic formulation of the Poynting-Robertson effect for photons in Schwarzschild and Kerr spacetimes, improving upon prior models based on special relativity.

Findings

Model applies to photons with zero angular momentum in curved spacetime.

Extends classical Poynting-Robertson effect to general relativity.

Provides a basis for studying dust dynamics near compact objects.

Abstract

The general relativistic version is developed for Robertson's discussion of the Poynting-Robertson effect that he based on special relativity and Newtonian gravity for point radiation sources like stars. The general relativistic model uses a test radiation field of photons in outward radial motion with zero angular momentum in the equatorial plane of the exterior Schwarzschild or Kerr spacetime.