Distorting Kerr Images with Parity-Odd Scalar Hair

Abstract

We investigate thin-disk imaging of Kerr black holes with synchronized scalar hair, focusing on backreacted parity-odd excited states of a complex scalar field minimally coupled to Einstein gravity. The spacetime displays a core-double-torus lensing structure, with a central black hole surrounded by two scalar clouds. We study the dependence of the images on hair strength and viewing angle, identifying a weak-hair regime close to Kerr. With increasing hair, the photon ring and shadow region shrink and become more distorted. In the strong-hair regime, gravitational lensing produces new features, including multiple disconnected shadow components, crescent-shaped structures, and signatures of chaotic lensing. For nearly edge-on viewing angles, repeated equatorial crossings generate nested ring-like patterns. These results highlight possible geometric signatures of black holes with excited scalar hair.