Abstract. We study separability of the Hamilton–Jacobi and massive Klein–Gordon equations in the general Kerr–de Sitter spacetime in higher dimensions. Complete separation of both equations is carried out in 2n + 1 spacetime dimensions with all n rotation parameters equal, in which case the rotational symmetry group is enlarged from (U(1))ⁿ to U(n). We explicitly construct the additional Killing vectors associated with the enlarged symmetry group which permit separation. We also derive first-order equations of motion for particles in these backgrounds and examine some of their properties.

PACS numbers: 04.50.-h, 98.80.Cq

Print publication: Issue 2 (21 January 2005)
Received 12 August 2004, in final form 23 November 2004
Published 29 December 2004