Mode-sum regularization of the scalar self-force: Formulation in terms of a tetrad decomposition of the singular field

TL;DR

This paper develops a new method for regularizing the scalar self-force in Schwarzschild spacetime using a tetrad decomposition, providing explicit regularization parameters and validating the approach with circular orbit calculations.

Contribution

It introduces a tetrad-based formulation of mode-sum regularization and computes four sets of regularization parameters, enhancing the precision of self-force calculations.

Findings

Derived scalar regularization parameters in a tetrad framework.

Calculated the self-force for a scalar charge in circular orbit.

Validated results against existing literature.

Abstract

We examine the motion in Schwarzschild spacetime of a point particle endowed with a scalar charge. The particle produces a retarded scalar field which interacts with the particle and influences its motion via the action of a self-force. We exploit the spherical symmetry of the Schwarzschild spacetime and decompose the scalar field in spherical-harmonic modes. Although each mode is bounded at the position of the particle, a mode-sum evaluation of the self-force requires regularization because the sum does not converge: the retarded field is infinite at the position of the particle. The regularization procedure involves the computation of regularization parameters, which are obtained from a mode decomposition of the Detweiler-Whiting singular field; these are subtracted from the modes of the retarded field, and the result is a mode-sum that converges to the actual self-force. We present such a computation in this paper. There are two main aspects of our work that are new. First, we define the regularization parameters as scalar quantities by referring them to a tetrad decomposition of the singular field. Second, we calculate four sets of regularization parameters (denoted schematically by A, B, C, and D) instead of the usual three (A, B, and C). As proof of principle that our methods are reliable, we calculate the self-force acting on a scalar charge in circular motion around a Schwarzschild black hole, and compare our answers with those recorded in the literature.