Non-divergence of gravitational self-interactions for Goto-Nambu strings

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the classical gravitational self-interaction of Goto-Nambu strings does not diverge, due to a cancellation effect, which clarifies previous misconceptions and impacts related theoretical applications.

Contribution

The paper provides a gauge-independent proof that the divergent part of the self-force for Goto-Nambu strings is zero, correcting prior incomplete analyses.

Findings

The divergent self-force component cancels exactly.

A gauge-independent tensorial method is used.

Implications for string theory applications.

Abstract

The classical linearised gravitational self interaction of a Goto-Nambu string is examined in four spacetime dimensions. Using a conveniently gauge independent tensorial treatment, the divergent part of the self-force is shown to be exactly zero. This is due to cancelation by a contribution that was neglected in the previous treatments. This result has implications for many applications.