The Persistence of Nonlinear Gravitational Wave Memory

Abstract

Nonlinear gravitational wave memory is a surprise of theoretical physics. Whereas it is understood that a gravitational wave induces oscillatory squeezing and stretching motion in a collection of freely-falling test masses, it is unexpected that the wave leaves a residual displacement of the test masses. This displacement is the tribute in memoriam to the passing wave. The memory originates in a nonlinear feature of gravitation. Whilst merging black holes are a significant source of gravitational waves, the gravitational wave energy itself is a further source of gravitational waves. The memory is often described as a permanent displacement of the test masses caused by a burst of primary gravitational waves. But as we show, memory vanishes at late times in a sea of echoes.