Spacetime Encodings I- A Spacetime Reconstruction Problem

Abstract

This paper explores features of an idealized mathematical machine (algorithm) that would be capable of reconstructing the gravitational nature (the multipolar structure or spacetime metric) of a compact object, by observing gravitational radiation emitted by a small object that orbits and spirals into it. An outline is given of the mathematical developments that must be carried out in order to construct such a machine.