Solution of the Scalar Wave Equation in a Kerr Background by Separation of Variables

Dieter R. Brill; Paul L. Chrzanowski; C. Martin Pereira; Edward D. Fackerell; James R. Ipser

doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.5.1913

Solution of the Scalar Wave Equation in a Kerr Background by Separation of Variables

Dieter R. Brill, Paul L. Chrzanowski, C. Martin Pereira, Edward D. Fackerell, and James R. Ipser

Phys. Rev. D 5, 1913 – Published 15 April 1972

Abstract

The effect of the Kerr gravitational field on wave phenomena is explored by examining the inhomogeneous wave equation for a scalar massive field in a Kerr background geometry. The equation is separated in Boyer-Lindquist coordinates. The angular functions are spheroidal harmonics, and the radial equation is reduced to a one-dimensional Schrödinger equation with an effective potential.