Calculating Perturbative Expansion of Metric Inverse in Cosmology

In summary, in cosmological perturbation theory, the metric tensor is expanded around a background metric (Minkowski spacetime) as gμν=ημν+κhμν, where hμν is a metric tensor and κ<<1. To determine the inverse metric gμν, one can use the result gμν=ημν-κhμν+κ²hμλhλν+O(κ³). To get the expression to first order, one can write gμν=ημν+δgμν and use the formula δgμν=gμλδgλσgσν=-gμλhλσgσν=-ημλ
  • #1
Frank Castle
580
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As I understand it, in the context of cosmological perturbation theory, one expands the metric tensor around a background metric (in this case Minkowski spacetime) as $$g_{\mu\nu}=\eta_{\mu\nu}+\kappa h_{\mu\nu}$$ where ##h_{\mu\nu}## is a metric tensor and ##\kappa <<1##.

My question is, how does one determine the inverse metric ##g^{\mu\nu}##? I've read some notes that state the result: $$g^{\mu\nu}=\eta^{\mu\nu}-\kappa h^{\mu\nu}+\kappa^{2}h^{\mu}_{\,\lambda}h^{\lambda\nu}+\mathcal{O}(\kappa^{3})$$
I know how to get the expression to first order by writing ##g^{\mu\nu}=\eta^{\mu\nu}+\delta g^{\mu\nu}## and using that $$\delta g^{\mu\nu}=g^{\mu\lambda}\delta g_{\lambda\sigma}g^{\sigma\nu}=-g^{\mu\lambda} h_{\lambda\sigma}g^{\sigma\nu}=-\eta^{\mu\lambda}\eta^{\sigma\nu}h_{\lambda\sigma}+\mathcal{O}(\kappa^{2})$$ I am unsure how to include higher order contributions. Furthermore, how can one justify raising and lowering the indices of ##h_{\mu\nu}## with ##\eta_{\mu\nu}## if one includes such higher order terms?
 
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  • #2
Frank Castle said:
where hμνhμνh_{\mu\nu} is a metric tensor

Sorry, meant to put symmetric tensor here.
Frank Castle said:
$$\delta g^{\mu\nu}=g^{\mu\lambda}\delta g_{\lambda\sigma}g^{\sigma\nu}$$

Also, it should be ##\delta g^{\mu\nu}=-g^{\mu\lambda}\delta g_{\lambda\sigma}g^{\sigma\nu}##.

Apologies for the errors.
 

1. What is the perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology?

The perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology is a mathematical technique used to approximate the inverse of a metric tensor, which describes the geometry of space-time in the context of Einstein's theory of general relativity. This expansion is based on the assumption that the metric tensor can be written as a sum of a background metric and small perturbations.

2. Why is it important to calculate the perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology?

Calculating the perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology allows us to study the evolution of the universe and the behavior of matter and energy on large scales. It is an essential tool for understanding the dynamics of the universe and making predictions about its future.

3. How is the perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology calculated?

The perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology is calculated using a series of mathematical operations, such as matrix multiplication and Taylor series expansion. It involves solving a set of equations that describe the relationship between the background metric, the perturbations, and the inverse metric.

4. What are some applications of the perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology?

The perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology has many applications, including predicting the growth of large-scale structures in the universe, understanding the effects of dark matter and dark energy, and studying the properties of gravitational waves. It is also used in the analysis of data from cosmological observations, such as the cosmic microwave background radiation.

5. Are there any limitations to the perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology?

Like any mathematical approximation, the perturbative expansion of metric inverse in cosmology has its limitations. It is most accurate for small perturbations and breaks down when the perturbations become too large. Additionally, it does not take into account certain physical phenomena, such as non-linear effects and gravitational interactions between different scales.

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