Instability of nonlinear scalar field on strongly charged asymptotically AdS black hole background

Abstract

The conformally invariant scalar equation permits the Robin boundary condition at infinity of asymptotically AdS spacetimes. We show how the dynamics of a conformal cubic scalar field on the Reissner-Nordström-anti-de Sitter background depend on the black hole size, charge, and choice of the boundary condition. We study the whole range of admissible charges, including the extremal case. In particular, we observe the transition in stability of the field for large black holes at the specific critical value of the charge. Similarities between Reissner-Nordström and Kerr black hole let us suspect that a similar effect may also occur in rotating black holes. Published by the American Physical Society 2025