Four-dimensional stationary algebraically special solutions, Weyl invariants, and soft hairs beyond large gauge transformations
Abstract
We revisit the Ricci-flat metrics in four dimensions that are stationary and algebraically special, together with the locally asymptotically flat conditions in the generalized Bondi-Sachs framework. We show that the Einstein equation is reduced to the Laplacian equation on the celestial sphere. The solutions consist of two pairs of arbitrary holomorphic and antiholomorphic functions analogous to the Virasoro modes. We prove that the higher modes of one pair of the (anti)holomorphic function contain an infinite tower of soft hairs from the perspectives of the asymptotic supertranslation charges. We verify that different modes of the soft hairs are distinct solutions that cannot be connected by diffeomorphism, using the Weyl invariants associated to the solutions. Extending the construction to Einstein-Maxwell theory introduces a third pair of (anti)holomorphic functions, arising from the Maxwell tensor, which generates soft electric hair. We further present an exact soft-hairy solution of Einstein-Maxwell theory with a cosmological constant, offering a potential understanding of soft hair from the AdS/CFT correspondence.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Nonlinear Waves and Solitons
Black Holes and Theoretical Physics
Geometric Analysis and Curvature Flows
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical review. D/Physical review. D.
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 113
- Issue
- 2
- Publication date
- 5 January 2026
- Language
- EN