A class of conformal curves in the Reissner-Nordstr\"om spacetime

Abstract

A class of curves with special conformal properties (conformal curves) is studied on the Reissner-Nordstr\"om spacetime. It is shown that initial data for the conformal curves can be prescribed so that the resulting congruence of curves extends smoothly to future and past null infinity. The formation of conjugate points on these congruences is examined. The results of this analysis are expected to be of relevance for the discussion of the Reissner-Nordstr\"om spacetime as a solution to the conformal field equations and for the global numerical evaluation of static black hole spacetimes.