Constrained field theories on Kerr backgrounds

Abstract

Abstract We analyze the constraints of gauge theories on Kerr and Kerr-de Sitter spacetimes, which contain one or more horizons. We find that the constraints are modified on such backgrounds through the presence of additional surface terms at the horizons. As a concrete example, we consider the Maxwell field and find that the Gauss law constraint involves surface corrections at the horizons. These surface contributions correspond to induced surface charges and currents on the horizons, which agree with those found within the membrane paradigm. The modification of the Gauss law constraint also influences the gauge fixing and Dirac brackets of the theory.