Graduate Gauge Transformations: Understanding Lorentz Condition

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Lorentz gauge transformation applied to the perturbed metric ## \gamma_{\alpha\beta} ##. It highlights the freedom to perform further gauge transformations defined by $$\gamma_{\alpha\beta} \rightarrow \gamma_{\alpha\beta} + \partial_{\alpha}\xi_{\beta} + \partial_{\beta}\xi_{\alpha}$$, contingent upon the condition $$\partial^{\beta}\partial_{\beta}\xi^{a}=0$$. A critical point raised is the necessity for the term $$\partial^{\beta}\partial_{\alpha}\xi_{\beta}$$ to equal zero for the Lorentz condition to be satisfied, which requires divergence-free vector fields for residual coordinate transformations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz gauge transformations
  • Familiarity with perturbed metrics in general relativity
  • Knowledge of divergence-free vector fields
  • Proficiency in tensor calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Lorentz gauge in general relativity
  • Learn about divergence-free vector fields and their applications
  • Explore the mathematical framework of perturbed metrics
  • Review the derivation and significance of the Lorentz condition
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Physicists, particularly those specializing in general relativity and gauge theories, as well as advanced students seeking to deepen their understanding of gauge transformations and their implications in theoretical physics.

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I have introduced the Lorentz gauge on my perturbed metric ## \gamma_{\alpha\beta} ## given by ##\partial^{a}\gamma_{\alpha\beta}##. However, there remains the freedom to make further gauge transformations $$\gamma_{\alpha\beta} \rightarrow \gamma_{\alpha\beta} + \partial_{\alpha}\xi_{\beta} + \partial_{\beta}\xi_{\alpha}$$ provided that $$\partial^{\beta}\partial_{\beta}\xi^{a}=0$$

But I what I don't understand is that after taking the divergence on ##\gamma_{\alpha\beta} + \partial_{\alpha}\xi_{\beta} + \partial_{\beta}\xi_{\alpha}## and using the condition ##\partial^{\beta}\partial_{\beta}\xi^{\alpha}=0## we are still left with the term $$\partial^{\beta}\partial_{\alpha}\xi_{\beta}$$ But this term must be zero in order for the lorentz condition to hold. But how can this term be zero?
 
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Isn't the Lorentz gauge given by the divergence of the traceless-metric ##\overline{\gamma}##? See e.g. eqn.11 and onwards of

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj-lZC_3JrsAhUBNOwKHQ82CsIQFjAAegQIBRAC&url=http://www.tapir.caltech.edu/~chirata/ph236/lec08.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0TqLVNZvAwJTMyQSqpZG03

I.e. you're right in your question: for your version of the Lorentz gauge, you also need divergence-free vector fields defining your residual coordinate transformations.
 
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