On the determination of Cauchy surfaces from intrinsic properties

Abstract

We consider the problem of determining from intrinsic properties whether or not a given spacelike surface is a Cauchy surface. We present three results relevant to this question. First, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for a compact surface to be a Cauchy surface in a spacetime which admits one. Second, we show that for a non-compact surface it is impossible to determine whether or not it is a Cauchy surface without imposing some restriction on the entire spacetime. Third, we derive conditions for an asymptotically flat surface to be a Cauchy surface by imposing the global condition that it be imbedded in a weakly asymptotically simple and empty spacetime.