Analytical approximations play an important role for gravitational waves from merging binary systems, where the measurements of the signals are based on cross-correlations with theoretical models. Computing accurate models is a challenging task that often requires a combination of several different approximation schemes and synergies with numerical relativity.
In these lectures, I will give an introduction to some of the ‘traditional’ analytical methods relevant for gravitational waves. The topics will include basics of post-Newtonian theory, post-Minkowski expansions, the use of matched asymptotic expansions in this context, and black hole perturbation theory. I will discuss applications of these tools to the gravitational waves from merging binary systems and also outline recent progress and remaining challenges.
These videos were produced by the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences, as part of the workshop General Relativity from AMPlitudes Alliance.
