A semi-tetrad decomposition of the Kerr spacetime

Abstract

In this paper we perform a semi-tetrad decomposition of the Kerr spacetime. We apply the 1+1+2 covariant method to the Kerr spacetime in order to describe its geometry outside the ergoregion. As a result we are able to explicitly write down the 1+1+2 Kerr quantities, and the evolution and propagation equations they satisfy. This formalism allows us to present the kinematic and dynamic quantities in a transparent geometrical manner; and also to highlight the role of vorticity. To our knowledge, using the 1+1+2 formalism to investigate the Kerr spacetime is a novel approach and this provides new insights into the spacetime geometry in an easier manner than alternate approaches. Furthermore we make corrections to earlier equations in the 1+1+2 formalism applied to the Kerr spacetime.