On the Eigenvalues of the Fermionic Angular Eigenfunctions in the Kerr Metric.

In view of a result recently published in the context of the deformation theory of linear Hamiltonian systems, we reconsider the eigenvalue problem associated with the angular equation arising after the separation of the Dirac equation in the Kerr metric, and we show how a quasilinear first order PDE for the angular eigenvalues can be derived efficiently. We also prove that it is not possible to obtain an ordinary differential equation for the eigenvalues when the role of the independent variable is played by the particle energy or the black hole mass. Finally, we construct new perturbative expansions for the eigenvalues in the Kerr case and obtain an asymptotic formula for the eigenvalues in the case of a Kerr naked singularity.

Rings of light caused by gravitational waves.

We reconsider the case of the geodesic motion of a massive and massless beam of test particles in a gravitational wave. In particular, we use a direct Lagrangian approach which simplifies the calculation. Our findings differ partly from previously performed calculations The final result can be interpreted as rings of light seen by the observer.