Gauge-invariant variables in general-relativistic perturbations: globalization and zero-mode problem

Abstract

An outline of a proof of the local decomposition of linear metric perturbations into gauge-invariant and gauge-variant parts on an arbitrary background spacetime is briefly explained. We explicitly construct the gauge-invariant and gauge-variant parts of the linear metric perturbations based on some assumptions. We also point out the zero-mode problem is an essential problem to globalize of this decomposition of linear metric perturbations. The resolution of this zero-mode problem implies the possibility of the development of the higher-order gauge-invariant perturbation theory on an arbitrary background spacetime in a global sense.

(v1) 16 pages, no figure; (v2) 9 pages, no figure. Compactified for "2012 Awards for Essays on Gravitation" promoted by Gravity Research Foundation. References are deleted. no ingredients is changed. This version received Honorable Mention for 2012