Graviton and gluon scattering from first principles

TL;DR

This paper derives relations between graviton and gluon scattering amplitudes from fundamental physical principles, revealing new insights and exceptions in various dimensions.

Contribution

It introduces a minimal assumption-based formalism that uncovers restrictive linear equations linking gluon and graviton scattering, extending known results and deriving exceptional amplitudes.

Findings

Gluon and graviton scattering are related in many theories.

Exceptional graviton amplitudes are derived that are not related to gluon amplitudes.

The formalism is widely applicable to gauge and gravity theories.

Abstract

Graviton and gluon scattering are studied from minimal physical assumptions such as Poincare and gauge symmetry as well as unitarity. The assumptions lead to an interesting and surprisingly restrictive set of linear equations. This shows gluon and graviton scattering to be related in many field and string theories, explaining and extending several known results. By systematic analysis exceptional graviton scattering amplitudes are derived which in general dimensions can not be related to gluon amplitudes. The simplicity of the formalism guarantees wide further applicability to gauge and gravity theories.