Kerr spacetime in Lema\^itre coordinates

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new formulation of Kerr spacetime using Lemaître coordinates, which avoids coordinate singularities and enables detailed analysis of physics near and beyond the event horizon from a freely falling observer's perspective.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel Lemaître coordinate-based formulation of Kerr spacetime, facilitating horizon-penetrating analysis and quantum field theory applications in black hole interiors.

Findings

Avoids coordinate singularities of Boyer-Lindquist metric.

Analyzes photon behavior near the Cauchy horizon.

Enables Hamiltonian quantum field theory formulation beyond the horizon.

Abstract

We present a novel formulation of the Kerr spacetime solution, based on the Lema\^itre coordinates. Such an approach allows one to avoid the coordinate singularities of the Boyer-Lindquist metric, thus offering the possibility to explore in some detail the Kerr physics near and beyond the event horizon, adopting the point of view of a freely falling observer, whose adapted tetrad is moreover proven to be Fermi-Walker transported. We use the Lema\^itre form of the Kerr metric discussing the motion of radial photons close to the Cauchy horizon, also showing that their behaviour fairly agrees with other similar results presented in the literature. Being synchronous, the Lema\^itre form of the Kerr metric allows a Hamiltonian formulation of a quantum field theory nearby and beyond the Kerr event horizon. This could provide a further tool in the investigation of the intriguing issue concerning the Cauchy horizon (in)stability.