Perturbations of a Rotating Black Hole. I. Fundamental Equations for Gravitational, Electromagnetic, and Neutrino-Field Perturbations

Abstract

This paper derives linear equations that describe dynamical gravitational, electromagnetic, and neutrino-field perturbations of a rotating black hole. The equations decouple into a single gravitational equation, a single electromagnetic equation, and a single neutrino equation. Each of these equations is completely separable into ordinary differential equations. The paper lays the mathematical groundwork for later papers in this series, which will deal with astrophysical applications: stability of the hole, tidal friction effects, superradiant scattering of electromagnetic waves, and gravitational-wave processes. Subject headings: black holes - gravitation - neutrinos - relativity - rotation