Massless scalar scattering by Kerr-Bertotti-Robinson black holes:transparent-end channels and superradiance

Abstract

We formulate and numerically solve the real-frequency scattering problem for a neutral, minimally coupled, massless scalar on the rotating Kerr--Bertotti--Robinson (Kerr--BR) black-hole geometry, using a specified transparent boundary condition at the coordinate end. Since the Maxwell stress tensor of the background is traceless, the minimally coupled wave equation reduces to the four-dimensional conformal wave equation, enabling exact Carter-like separation after scaling the scalar field by the conformal factor. Unlike the asymptotically flat case, the coordinate end $r\to\infty$ lies at a finite tortoise distance. We show that the resulting reflection data are conditional on this boundary prescription rather than defining a unique, observer-independent cross section. Within the transparent-end model,open-channel superradiance is governed by a double-gate mechanism requiring both the local horizon condition and the outer propagation condition $q_\infty^2>0$. At the benchmark spin $a/M=0.9$, the co-rotating dipole amplification decreases as the external magnetic field increases. Crucially, the field narrows and closes the open superradiant window at $BM\simeq0.243$. Near the propagation threshold, the amplification coefficient vanishes linearly with the outer wave number.