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Discrete symmetries of modified Teukolsky equations

Ciro De Simone*

  • *Contact author: ciro.desimone@unina.it
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Phys. Rev. D 114, 084063 – Published 21 October, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/dbzz-jhjb

Abstract

The Teukolsky equation possesses discrete symmetries that constrain the properties of black hole perturbations and their quasinormal mode spectrum. In this study, we explore how a class of modifications of the Teukolsky potential can alter the symmetry structure of the equation and break the m=0 degeneracy of quasinormal modes. We prove this result in the frequency domain using the master Teukolsky equation and in the time domain via (2+1)-dimensional simulations. We also show that the discrete symmetries can be leveraged for a more efficient characterization of the m=0 quasinormal modes from time-domain evolutions. As a theory-specific application, we consider the case of higher-derivative theories of gravity, highlighting that time-domain implementations of frequency-domain potentials can give rise to additional nonphysical branches of modes.

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Outline

Information

Phys. Rev. D 114, 084063– Published 21 October, 2026
  • Received 5 August 2026
  • Accepted 7 October 2026
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