The Massive Wave Equation in Asymptotically AdS Spacetimes

Abstract

We consider the massive wave equation on asymptotically AdS spaces. We show that the timelike scri behaves like a finite timelike boundary, on which one may impose the equivalent of Dirichlet, Neumann or Robin conditions for a range of (negative) mass parameter which includes the conformally coupled case. We demonstrate well posedness for the associated initial-boundary value problems at the $H^1$ level of regularity. We also prove that higher regularity may be obtained, together with an asymptotic expansion for the field near scri. The proofs rely on energy methods, tailored to the modified energy introduced by Breitenlohner and Freedman. We do not assume the spacetime is stationary, nor that the wave equation separates.