Chapter 19: ψ-Binaries and Locking Interference Patterns
The Dance of Coupled Collapse
When two collapse centers orbit each other, their ψ-fields create interference patterns that reshape both stars. These binary systems don't merely orbit—they lock into resonant configurations where collapse waves synchronize, creating structures impossible for isolated stars. The cosmic waltz writes new physics in spacetime.
19.1 Binary Formation Dynamics
Definition 19.1 (Collapse Capture): Two stars become gravitationally bound when:
The dot product of collapse fields must exceed kinetic escape energy.
19.2 Orbital Locking Mechanism
Theorem 19.1 (Resonant Lock): Binary orbits evolve toward states where:
with m,n integers. The system locks when orbital and collapse frequencies form rational ratios.
Proof: Non-resonant configurations experience fluctuating torques that average to zero. Resonant states accumulate coherent changes, creating potential wells in phase space. ∎
19.3 Interference Pattern Structure
When collapse waves from both stars overlap:
Definition 19.2 (Binary Interference):
The resulting intensity pattern:
Creating standing waves between the stars.
19.4 Tidal Collapse Deformation
Theorem 19.2 (Tidal Shaping): Each star's collapse field deforms as:
where:
- ε = (R/a)³ (tidal strength)
- R = stellar radius
- a = orbital separation
- P₂ = Legendre polynomial
The stars become ellipsoidal, pointed toward each other.
19.5 Mass Transfer Channels
Matter flows along collapse gradients:
Definition 19.3 (Transfer Rate):
where the collapse velocity:
Creating streams of matter following collapse field lines between stars.
19.6 Synchronized Pulsations
Theorem 19.3 (Pulse Locking): Binary pulsations synchronize when:
where K is the coupling strength. The stars pulsate in phase or antiphase depending on initial conditions.
19.7 Common Envelope Evolution
When stars share a collapse envelope:
Definition 19.4 (Envelope Criterion):
The binary becomes embedded in a shared collapse structure, dramatically accelerating evolution.
19.8 Gravitational Wave Emission
Binary collapse generates gravitational radiation:
Theorem 19.4 (Wave Amplitude):
The second time derivative of collapse field drives wave emission, distinct from orbital radiation.
19.9 Merger Dynamics
As binaries spiral inward:
Definition 19.5 (Merger Condition):
Collapse fields merge before stellar surfaces touch, creating a unified structure.
19.10 Post-Merger Oscillations
Theorem 19.5 (Ring-Down Modes): The merged object oscillates with frequencies:
These quantum-like modes encode the binary's pre-merger properties.
19.11 Observable Binary Signatures
Binary systems exhibit unique observables:
- Eclipse Modulation: Collapse interference affects eclipse depths
- Orbital Period Changes: Resonant locking creates discrete jumps
- Spectral Splitting: Interference patterns split spectral lines
- Polarization Rotation: Synchronized with orbital phase
- X-ray Hotspots: Form at collapse field nodes
These distinguish ψ-binaries from standard models.
19.12 The Cosmic Choreography
Binary stars reveal that collapse is fundamentally interactive. When two collapse centers dance together, they create patterns neither could achieve alone—standing waves of possibility, channels of exchange, synchronized rhythms. The universe prefers partnership, encoding in stellar pairs the principle that relationship creates structure.
The cosmos computes through collision and combination.