Horizon area--angular momentum inequality for a class of axially symmetric black holes

Abstract: We prove an inequality between horizon area and angular momentum for a class of axially symmetric black holes. This class includes initial conditions with an isometry which leaves fixed a two-surface. These initial conditions have been extensively used in the numerical evolution of rotating black holes. They can describe highly distorted black holes, not necessarily near equilibrium. We also prove the inequality on extreme throat initial data, extending previous results.