Gauge freedom for Gravitational Wave problems in tensor-scalar theories of gravity

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how a particular gauge choice simplifies the analysis of gravitational waves in tensor-scalar theories, making it easier to compare their predictions with General Relativity.

Contribution

It identifies a gauge condition that decouples tensor and scalar modes in Brans-Dicke theories, facilitating direct comparison with Einstein's theory.

Findings

Decoupling of tensor and scalar modes in a specific gauge

Simplified comparison between tensor-scalar theories and General Relativity

Enhanced understanding of gravitational wave predictions in alternative theories

Abstract

A specific choice of gauge is shown to imply a decoupling between the tensor and scalar components of Gravitational Radiation in the context of Brans-Dicke type theories of gravitation. The comparison of the predictions of these theories with those of General Relativity is thereby made straightforward.