New Horizons for Psi: Studying fundamental fields with numerical relativity

TL;DR

This paper introduces the use of numerical relativity to study fundamental fields in strong gravity scenarios, highlighting its applications in various areas of physics and providing practical guidance for researchers.

Contribution

It offers an overview and practical exercises on applying numerical relativity to fundamental fields, emphasizing its potential and limitations in modern physics research.

Findings

Numerical relativity can model superradiance and dark matter accretion.

Applications include modified gravity and early universe cosmology.

Provides hands-on experience for researchers in the field.

Abstract

This set of notes was designed to accompany two hours of lectures and practical exercises at the New Horizons for Psi workshop in Lisbon in July 2024 entitled "Studying fundamental fields with numerical relativity". Numerical relativity is a tool used to help understand the behaviours of metric and matter fields in dynamical, strong gravity situations. It has been used to study a range of situations involving fundamental fields, including superradiance, modified gravity, dynamical friction, dark matter accretion and early universe cosmology. The purpose of this course is to provide some background and hands-on experience in numerical relativity that will help students to better understand the possibilities provided by this tool, as well as its limitations.