General Relativity from Intersection Theory and Loop Integrals

Abstract

The study investigates the gravitational scattering amplitude between two Schwarzschild black holes in a two to two interaction, focusing on the Second Post-Minkowskian correction (2 PM). Analyzing contributions from box and cross-box diagrams, the research interprets Feynman integrals as pairings between twisted co-cycles and cycles. The concept of twisted (co)-homology groups is introduced, leading to a master integral decomposition formula. The study successfully applies intersection theory to compute coefficients of the master integral basis, marking the first application of intersection theory in the quantum field theoretic description of gravity. The results align with existing literature on the 2PM correction.