The scalar field equation in Schwarzschild-de Sitter space

The scalar wave equation between the inner and the outer horizon in the Schwarzschild-de Sitter geometry is solved numerically, and the spatial variations of the field amplitude, as well as of the potential, are shown graphically. By generalizing the "tortoise" coordinate x known from Schwarzschild theory to the SdS system we first transfer the wave equation to a convenient form in which the potential V is written as a function of x. We then show how a useful "tangent" approximation can be introduced which leads to a simple, analytically invertible, relation between x and the radius r. We concentrate on two limiting cases. The first case is when the two horizons are close to each other, the so-called Nariai black hole, and the second case is when the horizons are far apart. Reflection and transmission coefficients are worked out on the basis of a replacement of the real barrier V(x) by a square barrier.