Spin Angular Momentum Imparted by Gravitational Waves

TL;DR

This paper explores how polarized gravitational waves can transfer angular momentum to objects, deriving a general formula and applying it to specific wave types to understand this effect.

Contribution

It introduces a new general formula for the angular momentum imparted by polarized gravitational waves and applies it to plane and cylindrical wave models.

Findings

Polarized gravitational waves can impart angular momentum to test objects.

Derived a general formula for angular momentum transfer by gravitational waves.

Applied the formula to specific wave geometries, like plane and cylindrical waves.

Abstract

Following the demonstration that gravitational waves impart linear momentum, it is argued that if they are polarized they should impart angular momentum to appropriately placed 'test rods' in their path. A general formula for this angular momentum is obtained and used to provide expressions for the angular momentum imparted by plane and cylindrical gravitational waves.