Numerical evolution of Maxwell's equations for wavefronts propagating through a spherical gravitational potential

Abstract

We present a scheme for numerically solving Maxwell's equations in a weakly perturbed spacetime without introducing the usual geometric optics approximation. Using this scheme, we study light propagation through a spherical perturbation of a stationary metric in the linear limit. Going beyond geometric approximation allows us to explore the wave optics effects that occur when the wavefront propagates through the gravitational potential. We find that the wavefront breaks on the gravitational potential due to the Shapiro time delay, i.e. due to the slowing down of light when propagating in an inhomogeneous spacetime. This again leads to constructive interference, resulting in a persistent frequency dependent amplification of parts of the wave amplitude. When the wave length is shorter than a certain threshold set by the induced gravitational mass, the waves are reflected on the curvature gradient.

Accepted for publications in Physical Review D

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