Massive-Field Approach to the Scalar Self Force in Curved Spacetime

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel regularization method for calculating the scalar self force in curved spacetime by using the difference between massless and massive scalar fields, simplifying the computation process.

Contribution

A new regularization technique for scalar self force calculations in curved spacetime using field differences and limiting processes.

Findings

Derivation of a regularization method based on field differences.

Application of the method to compute the scalar self force.

Potential simplification of self force calculations in curved spacetime.

Abstract

We derive a new regularization method for the calculation of the (massless) scalar self force in curved spacetime. In this method, the scalar self force is expressed in terms of the difference between two retarded scalar fields: the massless scalar field, and an auxiliary massive scalar field. This field difference combined with a certain limiting process gives the expression for the scalar self-force. This expression provides a new self force calculation method.