The classical wave regime of scattering amplitudes - Giulia Isabella (UCLA)

Abstract: I will discuss 2 -> 2 scattering in the regime where the wavelength of the scattered objects is comparable to the impact parameter but much larger than any Compton wavelength in the QFT. In this regime the Feynman diagram expansion organizes itself naturally in terms of a Born series that iterates an effective “quantum mechanical” potential.

 I will discuss two applications of this observation: 1. Computation of the Kerr-Compton amplitude which is particularly relevant for the inspiral of spinning black holes; 2. Dissipation and tidal effects, and the determination of Love numbers of compact objects. Based on ongoing work with Miguel Correia, Simon Caron-Huot and Mikhail Solon.