Separability of test fields equations on the C-metric background

TL;DR

This paper derives a separable master equation for test fields in the non-rotating C-metric background, extending the Teukolsky formalism from Kerr-Newman spacetime to include various fields and gravitational perturbations.

Contribution

It introduces an analogous master equation for the C-metric, utilizing accelerated spin weighted spherical harmonics, and provides explicit solutions for some cases.

Findings

Master equation is separable in the C-metric background.

Accelerated spin weighted spherical harmonics differ across spins.

Explicit solutions for eigenfunctions and eigenvalues are obtained.

Abstract

In the Kerr-Newman spacetime the Teukolsky master equation, governing the fundamental test fields, is of great importance. We derive an analogous master equation for the non-rotating C-metric which encompass massless Klein-Gordon field, neutrino field, Maxwell field, Rarita-Schwinger field and gravitational perturbations. This equation is shown to be separable in terms of "accelerated spin weighted spherical harmonics". It is shown that, contrary to ordinary spin weighted spherical harmonics, the "accelerated" ones are different for different spins. In some cases, the equation for eigenfunctions and eigenvalues are explicitly solved.