The double copy: from optics to quantum gravity

Abstract

Recently, an intriguing relationship (the "double copy") has been discovered between theories like electromagnetism, and gravity. This potentially gives us a new way to think about gravity, and there are also practical applications involving the efficient calculation of gravitational observables, and also how to simulate gravity using optical systems. In this tutorial, we will review what is known about the double copy, and argue that now is the perfect time for researchers in optics and / or condensed matter to become interested in this fascinating correspondence.