Axially symmetric type N space-time with causality violating curves and the von Zeipel cylinder (Q2215230)

This interesting article is about an axially symmetric exact solution to Einstein's equations. It has a pure radiation field as a source. No unphysical sources exist and the null energy condition is obeyed. Both the Ricci scalar and cosmological constant are zero. The solution is Petrov type N and represents generalized pp-waves. It is a Kundt spacetime. One can show that these spacetimes are free of curvature divergences, but admit circular closed timelike curves that appear everywhere outside an axially symmetric region, i.e. beyond a closed null curve. These closed timelike curves are stable under linear perturbation. Finally, the equations of geodesic deviation and von Zeipel cylinders with respect to Zero Angular Momentum Observers (ZAMOs) are considered to further the physical interpretation of the solution. In particular circular null and timelike geodesics are discussed. Any relativist or mathematical physicist interested in causality violation would enjoy this article. The abstract is clear and references complete.