On generalized torsion two-forms in general relativity: A result of null tetrad formalism (Q789036)

Let P(M,G) a principal fibre bundle, M the base manifold, G the Lie structural group, H a closed Lie subgroup of G, Q(M,H) a reduced subbundle of P. Assume that a connection form \(\omega\) is defined in \(T^*(P)\) and that the Lie algebra g of G admits the following decomposition \(g=h\oplus f\), where [h,h]\(\subset h\), [h,f]\(\subset f\); h is the Lie algebra of H. Now, \(\omega\) splits into a connection form \(\mu\) in \(T^*(Q)\) and into an \(ad_ H\)-tensorial form with values in f. Details on the mathematical and physical consequences of this construction can be found in the author's paper [J. Math. Phys. 22, 2759- 2761 (1981; Zbl 0481.55015)]. In the present paper applications to General Relativity in the framework of Newman-Penrose formalism are studied. By setting \(G=\) the Poincaré group and \(H=SO(2)\times {\mathbb{R}}\) (the stability group of null-tetrad formalism in space-time) the resulting generalized Maurer-Cartan structural equations are studied. Vacuum space-times satisfying Einstein's field equations and admitting the vanishing of the induced curvature form in Q are investigated; it is shown that these hypotheses imply the existence of a field of surfaces orthogonal to a real null geodesic vector of the tetrad field.