Asymptotic properties of fields and space-times

Abstract : A new technique for studying asymptotic questions in general relativity is presented. Points at infinity are introduced which constitute a null hypersurface boundary to space-time. This is studied from the point of view of its conformal structure and some new light is shed on the following questions: (1) asymptotic flatness, (2) gravitational radiation fields, (3) peeling off property of the Riemann tensor, (4) total energy-momentum with integral conservation laws, (5) characteristic initial value problem and (6) Bondi-Metzner-Sachs asymptotic symmetry group. (Author)