We calculate the leading quantum and semiclassical corrections to the Newtonian potential energy of two widely separated static masses. In this large-distance, static limit, the quantum behavior of the sources does not contribute to the quantum corrections of the potential. These arise exclusively from the propagation of massless degrees of freedom. Our one-loop result is based on Mondanese’s formulation and differs from Donoghue’s recent calculation. Also, we compare and contrast the structural similarities of our approach to scattering at ultrahigh energy and a large impact parameter. We connect our approach to results from string perturbation theory.

• Received 20 January 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.52.3472