Gravitational Waves Emitted by a Uniformly Accelerated Mass: The Role of Zero-Rindler-Energy Modes in the Classical and Quantum Descriptions

Abstract

The observation of gravitational waves opens up a new window to probe the universe and the nature of the gravitational field itself. As a result, they serve as a new and promising tool to not only test our current theories but to study different models that go beyond our current understanding. In this paper, inspired by recent successes in scalar and Maxwell electrodynamics, we analyze the role played by the (quantum) Unruh effect on the production of both classical and quantum gravitational waves by a uniformly accelerated mass. In particular, we show the fundamental role played by zero-energy (Rindler) gravitons in building up the gravitational radiation, as measured by inertial observers, emitted by the body.