This project involves the application of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity to a theoretical investigation of systems with non-Newtonian gravitational forces. Electric forces are due to charged particles and are responsible for the orbiting electron structure of atoms and molecules; the gravitational analog is the attractive force of gravity. Magnetic forces are due to the motion of charges in current loops. They display a much richer variety of effects. Their gravitational analogs, which arise from the motion of massive objects, were unknown to Newton but are predicted by Einstein's theory. One aspect of this research is the exploration of possible roles these forces play in astronomical systems. Light and radio waves constitute a combination of electric and magnetic forces into a wave. The same is true of their gravitational analogs which again are predicted by Einstein's theory. A major portion of this project involves the study of the properties of these gravitational waves, such as their energy content, their quantum properties analogous to the photon composition of light and the way they are produced by stars and galaxies. This highly mathematical work should improve our understanding of black holes, gravitational radiation, and the proper construction of a consistent quantum theory of gravity.
