The gravitational interaction: Spin, rotation, and quantum effects-a review

Abstract

Previous work on spin, rotation, and quantum effects in gravitation is surveyed, with particular emphasis on the gravitational two-body interaction, both for elementary particles and for macroscopic bodies. Applications considered include (a) the precession of a gyroscope, (b) rotational effects on the equations of motion for the orbit, (c) binary systems, particularly the binary pulsar PSR 1913+16, and (d) the prospects of measuring spin-orbit and spin-spin forces in the laboratory. In addition, we discuss quantum effects that arise in the interaction between elementary particles. In particular, we point out the potentially decisive role of these forces in high-density matter, with emphasis on the fact that repulsive forces arise that may prevent gravitational collapse. All of the above considerations are within the framework of Einstein's theory of general relativity, albeit extended to treat spin-dependent and quantum forces. Finally, we consider the additional quantum terms that are present if one works with a generalization of Einstein's theory, the Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble theory of gravitation, in which the spin of matter, as well as its mass, plays a dynamical role.