A Twistorial Foundation for the Classical Double Copy

TL;DR

This paper reveals that the Weyl double copy, connecting solutions in gauge and gravity theories, can be derived from twistor theory, clarifying its origins and expanding its applicability.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the twistor formalism provides a foundational derivation of the Weyl double copy, showing its broader scope than previously understood.

Findings

Weyl double copy derived from twistor theory

Twistor formalism explains the origin of the double copy

The double copy is more general than previously thought

Abstract

The classical double copy relates exact solutions of gauge, gravity and other theories. Although widely studied, its origins and domain of applicability have remained mysterious. In this letter, we show that a particular incarnation - the Weyl double copy - can be derived using well-established ideas from twistor theory. As well as explaining where the Weyl double copy comes from, the twistor formalism also shows that it is more general than previously thought.