Gravitational Waves in Effective Quantum Gravity

TL;DR

This paper explores quantum gravitational effects on gravitational waves using effective field theory, revealing additional massive modes that could dampen waves during astrophysical events like black hole mergers.

Contribution

It introduces the leading order quantum gravitational correction to the wave equation, identifying complex mass modes that may influence gravitational wave propagation.

Findings

Discovery of complex mass modes in quantum gravity corrections.

Potential damping effect on gravitational waves from astrophysical sources.

Implications for interpreting gravitational wave observations like GW 150914.

Abstract

In this short paper we investigate quantum gravitational effects on Einstein's equations using effective field theory techniques. We consider the leading order quantum gravitational correction to the wave equation. Besides the usual massless mode, we find a pair of modes with complex masses. These massive particles have a width and could thus lead to a damping of gravitational waves if excited in violent astrophysical processes producing gravitational waves such as e.g. black hole mergers. We discuss the consequences for gravitational wave events such as GW 150914 recently observed by the Advanced LIGO collaboration.