On the regular and the asymptotic characteristic initial value problem for Einstein’s vacuum field equations

Abstract

The regular characteristic initial value problem for Einstein’s vacuum field equations where data are given on two intersecting null hypersurfaces is reduced to a characteristic initial value problem for a symmetric hyperbolic system of differential equations. This is achieved by making use of the spin-frame formalism instead of the harmonic gauge condition. The method is applied to the asymptotic characteristic initial value problem for Einstein’s vacuum field equations, where data are given on part of past null infinity and on an incoming null-hypersurface. A uniqueness theorem for this problem is proved by showing that a solution of the problem must satisfy a regular symmetric hyperbolic system of differential equations in a neighbourhood of past null infinity.