Relativistic Redshift and understanding it's approximation

In summary: The expression will not hold in general for other types of spacetimes.In summary, the expression 1+z=(g(k,u))_e/(g(k,u))_o represents the frequencies measured by an emitter and observer in different frames, and is invariant. The expression can be derived from the definition of redshift and the frequency of a wave vector measured by an observer with 4-velocity u. It can also be obtained from making the computation for comoving observers in a Robertson-Walker spacetime. However, in other types of metrics such as LTB or Bianchi, the expression may not hold.
  • #1
Arman777
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I was reading an article, and I saw this expression.

$$
1+z=\frac{(g_{\mu\nu}k^{\mu}u^{\nu})_e}{(g_{\mu\nu}k^{\mu}u^{\nu})_o}
$$

Where ##e## represents the emitter frame, ##o## the observer frame, ##g_{\mu\nu}## is the metric, ##k^{\mu}## is the photon four-momentum and ##u^{\nu}## is the four-velocity of the source or observer.

Has anyone seen this expression before? I want to understand how we can obtain $$1+z=\frac{a_o}{a_e}$$ from this expression and understand the metric potentials etc. Any reference would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Arman777 said:
Where e represents the emitter frame, o the observer frame,
No, they represent the emitter and observer, respectively. The expressions themselves are invariant. However, they equal the frequencies measured by emitter/observer.

Arman777 said:
Has anyone seen this expression before?
g(k,u) is by definition the frequency of wave vector k as measured by an observer with 4-velocity u. The expression follows directly from that and the definition of the redshift parameter z.

Arman777 said:
I want to understand how we can obtain 1+z=aoae from this expression and understand the metric potentials etc. Any reference would be appreciated. Thanks.
This follows directly from making the computation for comoving observers in a Robertson-Walker spacetime.
 
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  • #4
Orodruin said:
No, they represent the emitter and observer, respectively
hmm. That's what is says in the original article...not my fault. But you are also right.
Orodruin said:
This follows directly from making the computation for comoving observers in a Robertson-Walker spacetime.
In other types of metric (LTB, Bianchi) the ##1+z=a_o/a_e## will not hold then right ?
 
  • #5
Arman777 said:
In other types of metric (LTB, Bianchi) the 1+z=ao/ae will not hold then right ?
The scale factors are particular for the RW spacetimes in standard coordinates.
 

FAQ: Relativistic Redshift and understanding it's approximation

What is relativistic redshift?

Relativistic redshift is the phenomenon where light emitted from an object appears to have a longer wavelength and lower frequency when observed from a distant observer due to the effects of special relativity.

How does relativistic redshift differ from the Doppler effect?

While both phenomena involve a shift in the observed wavelength of light, the Doppler effect is caused by relative motion between the source of light and the observer, while relativistic redshift is caused by the effects of special relativity.

What is the approximation used to understand relativistic redshift?

The most commonly used approximation for understanding relativistic redshift is the cosmological redshift formula, which takes into account the expansion of the universe and the relative velocities of the source and observer.

How does the gravitational redshift factor into relativistic redshift?

The gravitational redshift is a phenomenon where light appears to have a longer wavelength and lower frequency when observed from a location with a strong gravitational field. This effect must be taken into account in some cases of relativistic redshift, such as when observing light from a source near a massive object like a black hole.

Can relativistic redshift be observed in everyday life?

Yes, relativistic redshift can be observed in everyday life. The most common example is the redshift of light from distant galaxies due to the expansion of the universe, which can be observed with a telescope. However, the effects of relativistic redshift are generally very small and may not be noticeable in everyday situations.

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