On the topology of untrapped surfaces

Abstract

Recently a simple proof of the generalizations of Hawking's black hole topology theorem and its application to topological black holes for higher dimensional (n ⩾ 4) spacetimes was given by Rácz I (2008 Class. Quantum Grav. 25 162001). By applying the associated new line of argument it is proven here that strictly stable untrapped surfaces possess exactly the same topological properties as strictly stable marginally outer trapped surfaces (MOTSs) are known to. In addition, a quasi-local notion of outwards and inwards pointing spacelike directions—applicable to untrapped and marginally trapped surfaces—is also introduced.