Newman-Janis Algorithm Revisited

Abstract

The purpose of the present article is to show that the Newman-Janis and Newman et al algorithm used to derive the Kerr and Kerr-Newman metrics respectively, automatically leads to the extension of the initial non negative polar radial coordinate r to a cartesian coordinate r' running from -\infty to +\infty, thus introducing in a natural way the region -\infty < r' < 0 in the above spacetimes. Using Boyer-Lindquist and ellipsoidal coordinates, we discuss some geometrical aspects of the positive and negative regions of r', like horizons, ergosurfaces, and foliation structures.