Three types of superpotentials for perturbations in the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity

Abstract

Superpotentials (antisymmetric tensor densities) in the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) gravity for arbitrary types of perturbations on arbitrary curved backgrounds are constructed. As a basis, the generalized conservation laws in the framework of an arbitrary D-dimensional metric theory, where conserved currents are expressed through divergences of superpotentials, are used. Such a derivation is exact (perturbations are not infinitesimal) and is approached when a solution (dynamical) is considered as a perturbed system with respect to another solution (background). Three known prescriptions are elaborated: they are the canonical Nœther theorem, the Belinfante symmetrization rule and the field-theoretical derivation. All three approaches are presented in a unique way convenient for comparisons and development. Exact expressions for the 01-component of the three types of the superpotentials are derived in the case when an arbitrary static Schwarzschild-like solution in the EGB gravity is considered as a perturbed system with respect to a background of the same type. These formulae are used for calculating the mass of the Schwarzschild–anti-de Sitter black hole in the EGB gravity. As a background, both the anti-de Sitter spacetime in arbitrary dimensions and a ‘mass gap’ vacuum, which has no maximal set of symmetries, in five dimensions are considered. Problems and perspectives for future development, including the Lovelock gravity, are discussed.