Published 2019 | Version v1
Journal article

Searching for Quantum Black Hole Structure with the Event Horizon Telescope

  • 1. Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 (United States)

Description

The impressive images from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) sharpen the conflict between our observations of gravitational phenomena and the principles of quantum mechanics. Two related scenarios for reconciling quantum mechanics with the existence of black hole-like objects, with "minimal" departure from general relativity and local quantum field theory, have been explored; one of these could produce signatures visible to EHT observations. A specific target is temporal variability of images, with a characteristic time scale determined by the classical black hole radius. The absence of evidence for such variability in the initial observational span of seven days is not expected to strongly constrain such variability. Theoretical and observational next steps towards investigating such scenarios are outlined.

Availability note (English)

Available from https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/5/9/201/pdf; https://doaj.org/article/42281d0e4ba147bda4a19d36e4e4df38; https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/5/9/201

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Universe
Journal Volume
5
Journal Issue
9
Journal Page Range
vp.
ISSN
2218-1997

INIS

Country of Publication
Switzerland
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
51014582
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS; S79: ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY;
Descriptors DEI
BLACK HOLES; GENERAL RELATIVITY THEORY; IMAGES; QUANTUM MECHANICS; TELESCOPES
Descriptors DEC
FIELD THEORIES; MECHANICS; RELATIVITY THEORY