Choptuik scaling and the scale invariance of Einstein's equation

Abstract

The relationship of Choptuik scaling to the scale invariance of Einstein's equation is explored. Ordinary dynamical systems often have limit cycles: periodic orbits that are the asymptotic limit of generic solutions. We show how to separate Einstein's equation into the dynamics of the overall scale and the dynamics of the ``scale invariant'' part of the metric. Periodicity of the scale invariant part implies periodic self-similarity of the spacetime. We also analyze a toy model that exhibits many of the features of Choptuik scaling.