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Main Authors: Li, Zhao, Zhao, Wen
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.17253
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author Li, Zhao
Zhao, Wen
author_facet Li, Zhao
Zhao, Wen
contents Black hole (BH) perturbation theory and the scattering models provide a powerful framework for studying gravitational lensing at the wave-optics level. However, conventional calculations encountered two issues: the divergence of the partial-wave series and the divergence of the Poisson spot near the optical axis. These issues hinder the accurate calculation of lensed waveforms and the study of polarization and wave characteristics in the lensing process, especially near the optical axis. This work demonstrates that both divergences stem from the asymptotic expansion of the radial wave function. By computing the scattered wave function at finite radii and avoiding the asymptotic expansion, we naturally obtain convergent results. We compute scalar waves scattered by (1) a weak-gravity body with Newtonian potential and (2) a Schwarzschild BH with Regge-Wheeler potential. In both cases, we analyze the convergence of the partial-wave series and present finite-luminosity diffraction patterns, with a bright Poisson spot. The above calculations are compared with the Kirchhoff diffraction integral in the near-axis regions and give consistent results. Our investigations provide a foundation for studying gravitational wave scattering by BHs and understanding lensing at the wave-optics level.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2508_17253
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Rigorous calculation of scalar scattering in Schwarzschild background: the convergence of partial-wave series and Poisson spot
Li, Zhao
Zhao, Wen
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Black hole (BH) perturbation theory and the scattering models provide a powerful framework for studying gravitational lensing at the wave-optics level. However, conventional calculations encountered two issues: the divergence of the partial-wave series and the divergence of the Poisson spot near the optical axis. These issues hinder the accurate calculation of lensed waveforms and the study of polarization and wave characteristics in the lensing process, especially near the optical axis. This work demonstrates that both divergences stem from the asymptotic expansion of the radial wave function. By computing the scattered wave function at finite radii and avoiding the asymptotic expansion, we naturally obtain convergent results. We compute scalar waves scattered by (1) a weak-gravity body with Newtonian potential and (2) a Schwarzschild BH with Regge-Wheeler potential. In both cases, we analyze the convergence of the partial-wave series and present finite-luminosity diffraction patterns, with a bright Poisson spot. The above calculations are compared with the Kirchhoff diffraction integral in the near-axis regions and give consistent results. Our investigations provide a foundation for studying gravitational wave scattering by BHs and understanding lensing at the wave-optics level.
title Rigorous calculation of scalar scattering in Schwarzschild background: the convergence of partial-wave series and Poisson spot
topic General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.17253