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Eva Hackmann

Publications and source records attributed to Eva Hackmann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Twisted doughnuts: Thick disk torus around equatorial asymmetric black hole

The Kerr black hole spacetime is symmetric with respect to a well-defined equatorial plane. When such a symmetry is broken, for instance, by some putative effects beyond general relativity, the Keplerian circular orbits around the black hole are distorted vertically away from the equatorial plane by an amount depending on the orbital radius. As a result, the Keplerian thin disk acquires a curved surface. In this work, we extend such results to thick tori configurations by considering non-self-gravitating Polish doughnut models. We show that due to the equatorial asymmetry of the spacetime, the centers and the cusps of tori are distorted away from the original equatorial plane toward the same direction as that experienced by the stable Keplerian orbits, and the entire tori configurations are twisted toward that direction as well. The shape of the distorted tori is demonstrated explicitly using a constant specific angular momentum profile $\ell(r,y)=\ell_0$ of the disk fluid. However, the result also applies to non-constant profiles of $\ell(r,y)$ generically in the sense that any asymmetric profile of $\ell(r,y)$ that attempts to produce a symmetric tori configuration either turns out to be ill-defined near the equatorial plane or suffers from fine-tuning issues.

gr-qc

General orbital perturbation theory in Schwarzschild space-time

We derive general relativistic Gaussian equations for osculating elements for orbits under the influence of a perturbing force without any restrictions in an underlying Schwarzschild space-time. Such a formulation provides a way to describe the evolution of orbital parameters in strong gravity relativistic settings. As examples of external forces we considered Kerr and $q$-metric space-times generated forces, for which we solve equations for osculating elements in linear approximation. For the Kerr space-time in the post-Newtonian limit, our result reproduces the well-known Lense--Thirring precession of the longitude of the ascending node.

gr-qc

Null integrability and photon phenomenology in the accelerated Schwarzschild black hole

Uniformly accelerated black holes provide a controlled setting to isolate how translatory acceleration and conical defects modify photon dynamics and observable optics. We analyse null geodesics in the subextremal static C-metric, describing an accelerated Schwarzschild black hole pulled by a cosmic string/strut, and we keep the conicity parameter explicit throughout. By using dimensionless variables and a Mino-type parametrisation, the conformal Hamilton-Jacobi equation separates and both the radial and polar sectors reduce to Biermann-Weierstrass form, yielding compact closed solutions in terms of Weierstrass elliptic functions. This framework enables a systematic classification of photon trajectories, exhibits the loss of equatorial symmetry for nonzero acceleration via a fixed photon cone of constant-latitude null motion, and identifies a unique spherical photon surface shared by all latitudes. On the observational side, using the tetrad screen map, the circular shadow boundary follows transparently from the photon surface condition. We highlight the explicit cancellation of the conicity parameter and discuss that the angular radius depends on the acceleration and the observer's position; however, it is independent of the observer's inclination and of the conicity (because of the string tension). For nonstatic observers, a local Lorentz boost preserves circularity while changing the apparent angular size through aberration. We describe an algebraic inversion that infers the acceleration from a single shadow radius measurement once the mass-distance scale is fixed. Moreover, we derive closed expressions for the photon orbital frequency and Lyapunov exponent, providing Eikonal quasinormal mode estimates.

gr-qc

Frequency shifts due to relativistic effects and retardation in continuous variable quantum key distribution

Space-based quantum communication naturally involves satellites and ground stations exchanging optical signals at high altitudes and large relative velocities. Starting from general relativistic considerations, we systematically separate the frequency shift into longitudinal Doppler contributions, relativistic corrections, and corrections from the propagation delay (retardation). We find the relativistic corrections to the Keplerian satellite orbits to be negligible on the considered timescale, compared to the gravitational and special relativistic time dilation contributions to the frequency shift. Somewhat surprisingly, we find the contribution from the retardation effect to be on the same order of magnitude as the relativistic contributions. To analyze the significance of these effects, we investigate secret key rates for a continuous variable quantum key distribution protocol for various configurations of satellite orbits and ground stations. We find that the corrections from relativistic effects and retardation significantly impact the communication performance and should be taken into account.

quant-ph

General Relativity and Geodesy

Mass redistribution on Earth due to dynamic processes such as ice melting and sea level rise leads to a changing gravitational field, observable by geodetic techniques. Monitoring this change over time allows us to learn more about our planet and its dynamic evolution. In this paper, we highlight the impact of General Relativity (GR) on geodesy: it provides corrections essential for the interpretation of high-precision measurements and enables a completely novel measurement approach using chronometry, i.e., clock-based observations. Focusing on the latter, we review the construction of the relativistic gravity potential and the corresponding geoid definition as an isochronometric surface to elucidate the comparison to the conventional Newtonian geoid. Furthermore, we comment on additional potentials due to the non-Newtonian degrees of freedom of the relativistic gravitational field, and assess the feasibility of clock-based measurements for Gravity Field Recovery (GFR) from space. Although clock observations in space demonstrate technical promise for GFR, achieving the necessary precision for practical applications remains challenging.

gr-qc

Non-Keplerian Charged Accretion Disk Orbiting a Black Hole~Pulsar

Recent studies have focused on how spinning black holes (BHs) within a binary system containing a strongly magnetized neutron star, then immersed in external magnetic fields, can acquire charge through mechanisms like the Wald process and how this charge could power pulsar-like electromagnetic radiation. Those objects called ``Black hole pulsar'' mimic the behaviour of a traditional pulsar, and they can generate electromagnetic fields, such as magnetic dipoles. Charged particles within an accretion disk around the black hole would then be influenced not only by the gravitational forces but also by electromagnetic forces, leading to different geometries and dynamics. In this context, we focus here on the interplay of the magnetic dipole and the accretion disk. We construct the equilibrium structures of non-conducting charged perfect fluids orbiting Kerr black holes under the influence of a dipole magnetic field aligned with the rotation axis of the BH. The dynamics of the accretion disk in such a system are shaped by a complex interplay between the non-uniform, non-Keplerian angular momentum distribution, the black hole's induced magnetic dipole, and the fluid's charge. We show how these factors jointly influence key properties of the disk, such as its geometry, aspect ratio, size, and rest mass density.

astro-ph.HE

Stability of Rotating, Charged Fluids: Generalization of the Hoiland Conditions in Newtonian Non-conductive Case

We study the conditions for stability of electrically charged, non-conductive perfect fluid tori with respect to linear perturbations. To this end we employ Lagrangian perturbation formalism and we assume a system where the fluid orbits a central body. Gravitational field of the latter is described in the Newtonian framework. We first formulate the criteria valid for a general, non-axisymmetric situation, and then we concentrate on the axisymmetric model in more detail. In the latter case we generalize the H{\o}iland criterion of stability to non-vanishing electric charge and classify special examples. Toroidal structures with constant angular momentum distribution are found to be linearly stable. Subsequently, like in the uncharged case, rotating charged fluids are found to be unstable with respect to non-axisymmetric perturbations.

gr-qc

Gravitomagnetic Clock Effect: Using GALILEO to explore General Relativity

All experiments to date are in remarkable agreement with the predictions of Einstein's theory of gravity, General Relativity. Besides the classical tests, involving light deflection, orbit precession, signal delay, and the gravitational redshift, modern technology has pushed the limits even further. Gravitational waves have been observed multiple times as have been black holes, arguably amongst the most fascinating objects populating our universe. Moreover, geodetic satellite missions have enabled the verification of yet another prediction: gravitomagnetism. This phenomenon arises due to the rotation of a central body, e.g., the Earth, which is dragging spacetime along. One resulting effect on satellite orbits is the observed Lense-Thirring effect. Another predicted, yet unverified, effect is the so-called gravitomagnetic clock effect, which was first described by Cohen and Mashhoon as the proper time difference of two counter-revolving clocks in an orbit around a rotating mass. A theoretical framework is introduced that describes a gravitomagnetic clock effect based on a stationary spacetime model. An incremental definition of a suitable observable follows, which can be accessed via orbit data obtained from the European satellite navigation system Galileo, and an implementation of the framework for use with real satellite and clock data is presented. The technical requirements on a satellite mission are studied to measure the gravitomagnetic clock effect at the state-of-the-art in satellite laser ranging and modelling of gravitational and non-gravitational perturbations. Based on the analysis within this work, a measurement of the gravitomagnetic clock effect is highly demanding, but might just be within reach in the very near future based on current and upcoming technology.

gr-qc

General Relativistic Chronometry with Clocks on Ground and in Space

One of geodesy's main tasks is to determine the gravity field of the Earth. High precision clocks have the potential to provide a new tool in a global determination of the Earth's gravitational potential based on the gravitational redshift. Towards this clock-based gravimetry or chronometry in stationary spacetimes, exact expressions for the relativistic redshift and the timing between observers in various configurations are derived. These observers are assumed to be equipped with standard clocks and move along arbitrary worldlines. It is shown that redshift measurements, involving clocks on ground and/or in space, can be used to determine the (mass) multipole moments of the underlying spacetime. Results shown here are in agreement with the Newtonian potential determination from, e.g., the so-called energy approach. The framework of chronometric geodesy is exemplified in different exact vacuum spacetimes for illustration and future gravity field recovery missions may use clock comparisons as an additional data channel for advanced data fusion.

gr-qc

Kerr Geodesics in Terms of Weierstrass Elliptic Functions

We derive novel analytical solutions describing timelike and null geodesics in the Kerr spacetime. The solutions are parameterized explicitly by constants of motion -- the energy, the angular momentum, and the Carter constant -- and initial coordinates. A single set of formulas is valid for all null and timelike geodesics, irrespectively of their radial and polar type. This uniformity has been achieved by applying a little-known result due to Biermann and Weierstrass, regarding solutions of a certain class of ordinary differential equations. Different from other expressions in terms of Weierstrass functions, our solution is explicitly real for all types of geodesics. In particular, for the first time the so-called transit orbits are now expressed by explicitly real Weierstrass functions.

gr-qc

Equivalence of Active and Passive Gravitational Mass Tested with Lunar Laser Ranging

LLR measures the distance between observatories on Earth and retro-reflectors on Moon since 1969. In this paper, we study the possible violation of the equality of passive and active gravitational mass ($m_{a}/m_{p}$), for Aluminium (Al) and Iron (Fe), using LLR data. Our new limit of $3.9\cdot10^{-14}$ is about 100 times better than that of Bartlett and Van Buren [1986] reflecting the benefit of the many years of LLR data.

gr-qc

Thick accretion disk configurations in the Born-Infeld teleparallel gravity

The main goal of this paper is to investigate one of the important astrophysical systems, namely Thick accretion disks, in the background of the spherically symmetric solution in Born-Infeld teleparallel gravity to examine observable predictions of the theory in the vicinity of black holes. Thus, the properties of the non-self-gravitating equilibrium surfaces characterising the Thick accretion disks model are studied. In addition, we find an observational bound on the parameter of the model as $\lambda\gtrsim 140$. We show this analytical accretion disk model for different values of $\lambda$ and compare the result with the corresponding Schwarzschild solution in the general theory of relativity.

gr-qc

Relativistic propagation and frame dragging time delay in the timing of a pulsar orbiting the supermassive black hole SgrA*

Timing a pulsar in a close orbit around the supermassive black hole SgrA* at the center of the Milky Way would open the window for an accurate determination of the black hole parameters and for new tests of General Relativity and alternative modified gravity theories. An important relativistic effect which has to be taken into account in the timing model is the propagation delay of the pulses in the gravitational field of the black hole. Due to the extreme mass ratio of the pulsar and the supermassive back hole we use the test particle limit to derive an exact analytical formula for the propagation delay in a Kerr spacetime and deduce a relativistic formula for the frame dragging effect on the arrival time. As an illustration, we treat an edge-on orbit in which the frame dragging effect is expected to be maximal. We compare our formula for the propagation time delay with Post-Newtonian approaches, and in particular with the frame dragging terms derived in previous works by Wex & Kopeikin and Rafikov & Lai. Our approach correctly identifies the asymmetry of the frame dragging delay with respect to superior conjunction, avoids singularities in the time delay, and indicates that in the Post-Newtonian approach frame dragging effects are generally slightly overestimated.

gr-qc

Thin accretion disk around the distorted Schwarzschild black hole

We construct the relativistic standard steady, optically thick, cold and geometrically thin accretion disk around a distorted Schwarzschild black hole. The distortion of this static and axially symmetric black hole solution, is connected to an external distribution of matter. If the effects due to the rotation are negligible, this distribution can describe the exterior of any axially symmetric astrophysical model. Also, the distortion could be related to the outer parts of the accretion disk. We study the effects due to a distortion up to the quadrupole, and compare the physical characteristics of this disk to the usual Schwarzschild case.

astro-ph.HE

Schwarzschild black hole surrounded by quintessential matter field as an accelerator for spinning particles

We study the collision of two massive particles with non-zero intrinsic spin moving in the equatorial plane in the background of a Schwarzschild black hole surrounded by quintessential matter field (SBHQ). For the quintessential matter equation of state (EOS) parameter, we assume three different values. It is shown that for collisions outside the event horizon, but very close to it, the centre-of-mass energy ($E_{\rm CM}$) can grow without bound if exactly one of the colliding particles is what we call near-critical, i.e., if its constants of motion are fine tuned such that the time component of its four-momentum becomes very small at the horizon. In all other cases, $E_{\rm CM}$ only diverges behind the horizon if we respect the M{\o}ller limit on the spin of the particles. We also discuss radial turning points and constraints resulting from the requirement of subluminal motion of the spinning particles.

gr-qc

Particle collisions near static spherically symmetric black holes

It has been shown by Ba\~{n}ados, Silk and West (BSW) that the center of mass energy (E_cm) of test particles starting from rest at infinity and colliding near the horizon of a Schwarzschild black hole is always finite. In this communication, we extent the BSW scenario and study two particles with different energies colliding near the horizon of a static spherically symmetric black hole. Surprisingly, we find that even for the static spherically symmetric (i.e., Schwarzschild like) black holes it is possible to obtain an arbitrarily high E cm from the two test particles colliding near the horizon of a black hole, if one fine-tunes the parameters of geodesic motion.

gr-qc

The Relativistic Geoid: Gravity Potential and Relativistic Effects

The Earth's geoid is one of the most essential and fundamental concepts to provide a gravity field-related height reference in geodesy and associated sciences. To keep up with the ever-increasing experimental capabilities and to consistently interpret high-precision measurements without any doubt, a relativistic treatment of geodetic notions (including the geoid) within Einstein's theory of General Relativity is inevitable. Building on the theoretical construction of isochronometric surfaces and the so-called redshift potential for clock comparison, we define a relativistic gravity potential as a generalization of (post-)Newtonian notions. This potential exists in any stationary configuration with rigidly co-rotating observers, and it is the same as realized by local plumb lines. In a second step, we employ the gravity potential to define the relativistic geoid in direct analogy to the Newtonian understanding. In the respective limit, the framework allows to recover well-known (post-) Newtonian results. For a better illustration and proper interpretation of the general relativistic gravity potential and geoid, some particular examples are considered. Explicit results are derived for exact vacuum solutions to Einstein's field equation as well as a parametrized post-Newtonian model. Comparing the Earth's Newtonian geoid to its relativistic generalization is a very subtle problem, but of high interest. An isometric embedding into Euclidean three-dimensional space is an appropriate solution and allows a genuinely intrinsic comparison. With this method, the leading-order differences are determined, which are at the mm-level.

gr-qc

Influence of weak electromagnetic fields on charged particle ISCOs

Astrophysical black holes are often embedded into electromagnetic fields, that can usually be treated as test fields not influencing the spacetime geometry. Here we analyse the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO) of charged particles moving around a Schwarzschild black hole in the presence of a radial electric test field and an asymptotically uniform magnetic test field. We discuss the structure of the in general four ISCO solutions for different magnitudes of the electric and the magnetic field's strength. In particular, we find that the nonexistence of stable circular orbits of particles with equal sign of charge as the black hole for sufficiently strong electric fields can be canceled by a sufficiently strong magnetic field. In this situation, we find that ISCOs made of static particles will emerge.

gr-qc