Explicit Proof of the Consistency of the Transverse-Traceless Gauge?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the validity of the transverse-traceless (TT) gauge in linearized gravity, specifically referencing Maggiore's work. The user seeks to explicitly demonstrate that the gauge transformation functions \(\xi^\mu\) can be chosen such that the trace \(\overline{h} = 0\) and \(h^{0i}(x) = 0\). They express difficulty in proving compatibility with the requirement \(\partial^2 \xi^\mu = 0\) and inquire about references that address the transformation behavior of \(\overline{h}_{\mu\nu}\). Additionally, they seek clarification on the significance of choosing a Lorentz frame when transitioning to the TT gauge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linearized gravity concepts
  • Familiarity with gauge transformations in general relativity
  • Knowledge of the transverse-traceless gauge
  • Basic principles of Lorentz invariance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the transverse-traceless gauge in linearized gravity
  • Examine the implications of gauge transformations on \(\overline{h}_{\mu\nu}\)
  • Study the relationship between gauge choices and Lorentz frames in general relativity
  • Explore advanced texts on linearized gravity, such as "Gravitation" by Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, particularly those specializing in general relativity and gravitational wave physics, as well as graduate students seeking to deepen their understanding of gauge choices in linearized gravity.

NanakiXIII
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Hey all,

I am trying to see that in linearized gravity, choosing the transverse-traceless gauge is actually a valid choice to make. More specifically, I am trying to explicitly show what most textbooks just mention in passing, e.g. Maggiore:

...we can choose the functions \xi^0 such that the trace \overline{h} = 0. (...) The three functions \xi^i(x) are now chosen so that h^{0i}(x) = 0.

Where the \xi^\mu encode the gauge transformation x^\mu \rightarrow x^\mu + \xi^\mu (x).

None of the books I have do this explicitly, or they do it by substituting plane waves as solutions, so I tried my hand at it myself and while it seems so far correct that one can choose the transformation as such, I'm unable to prove so far that this choice is compatible with the requirement \partial^2 \xi^\mu = 0.

Does anyone have a reference where this is done by just examining the transformation behavior of \overline{h}_{\mu\nu}? Or is there some reason why it doesn't make sense to do this?

As an additional question, I read that going to the TT gauge also implies "choosing a Lorentz frame." What is the significance of this statement and where does it enter?
 
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Can anyone provide any insight?
 

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