Quantum Corrections to the Gravitational Backreaction

TL;DR

This paper uses Effective Field Theory to compute quantum corrections to gravitational wave backreaction, revealing a non-zero trace in the stress-energy tensor that impacts the cosmological constant and setting bounds based on LIGO data.

Contribution

It provides the first calculation of quantum corrections to gravitational wave backreaction and links these effects to observable bounds from gravitational wave detectors.

Findings

Non-zero trace in the effective stress-energy tensor affects the cosmological constant.

First experimental bound on the amplitude of massive gravitational modes.

Quantum corrections are significant for understanding gravitational wave backreaction.

Abstract

Effective Field Theory techniques are used to study the leading order quantum corrections to the gravitational wave backreaction. The effective stress-energy tensor is calculated and it is shown that it has a non-vanishing trace that contributes to the cosmological constant. By comparing the result obtained with LIGO's data, the first bound on the amplitude of the massive mode is found: $\epsilon < 1.4\times 10^{-33}$.