Abstract: In this paper we describe 4-dimensional gravity coupled to scalar and Maxwell fields by the Einstein-Katz action, that is, the covariant version of the “Gamma-Gamma – Gamma-Gamma” part of the Hilbert action supplemented by the divergence of a generalized “Katz vector”. We consider static solutions of Einstein's equations, parametrized by some integration constants, which describe an ensemble of asymptotically AdS black holes. Instead of the usual Dirichlet boundary conditions, which aim at singling out a specific solution within the ensemble, we impose that the variation of the action vanishes on shell for the broadest possible class of solutions. We will see that, when a long-range scalar “hair” is present, only sub-families of the solutions can obey that criterion. The Katz-Bicak-Lynden-Bell (“KBL”) superpotential built on this (generalized) vector will then give straightforwardly the Noether charges associated with the spacetime symmetries (that is, in the static case, the mass). Computing the action on shell, we will see next that the solutions which obey the imposed variational principle, and with Noether charges given by the KBL superpotential, satisfy the Gibbs relation, the Katz vectors playing the role of “counterterms”. Finally, we show on the specific example of dyonic black holes that the sub-class selected by our variational principle satisfies the first law of thermodynamics when their mass is de fined by the KBL superpotential.

Abstract: In this paper two things are done. First, it is pointed out the existence of exact asymptotically flat, spherically symmetric black holes when a self-interacting, minimally coupled scalar field is the source of the Einstein equations in four dimensions. The scalar field potential is recently found to be compatible with the hairy generalization of the Plebanski-Demianski solution of general relativity. This paper describes the spherically symmetric solutions that smoothly connect the Schwarzschild black hole with its hairy counterpart. The geometry and scalar field are everywhere regular except at the usual Schwarzschild-like singularity inside the black hole. The scalar field energy momentum tensor satisfies the null-energy condition in the static region of spacetime. The first law holds when the parameters of the scalar field potential are fixed under thermodynamical variation. Second, it is shown that an extra, dimensionless parameter, present in the hairy solution, allows to modify the gravitational field of a spherically symmetric black hole in a remarkable way. When the dimensionless parameter is increased, the scalar field generates a flat gravitational potential that, however, asymptotically matches the Schwarzschild gravitational field. Finally, it is shown that a positive cosmological constant can render the scalar field potential convex if the parameters are within a specific rank.