Within quantum-gravity approaches and beyond, different mechanisms for singularity resolution in black holes exist. Under a set of assumptions that we spell out in detail, these mechanisms leave their imprint in shadow images of spherically symmetric black holes. We find that even current EHT accuracy is sufficient to place nontrivial constraints on the scale of new physics within one modified spacetime, if the EHT measurement of M87* is combined with an independent measurement of the black-hole mass. In other spacetimes, increased accuracy is required that the next-generation EHT may deliver. We show how the combination of $n=1$ and $n=2$ photon rings is a powerful probe of the spacetime geometry of regular black holes, even when considering astrophysical uncertainties in accretion disks. Further, we generate images containing a localized emission region, inspired by the idea of hotspots in accretion flows. Finally, we investigate the photon-ring structure of a horizonless object, which is characterized by either two or no photon spheres. We show how photon rings annihilate each other, when there is no photon sphere in the spacetime.
Gravitational collapse singularities are undesirable, yet inevitable to a large extent in General Relativity. When matter satisfying null energy condition collapses to the extent a closed trapped surface is formed, a singularity is inevitable according to Penrose's singularity theorem. Since positive mass vacuum solutions are generally black holes with trapped surfaces inside the event horizon, matter cannot collapse to an arbitrarily small size without generating a singularity. However, in modified theories of gravity where positive mass vacuum solutions are naked singularities with no trappe…
Penrose's singularity theorem implies that if a trapped region forms in a gravitational collapse, then a singularity must form as well within such region. However, it is widely expected that singularities should be generically avoided by quantum gravitational effects. Here we shall explore both the minimum requirements to avoid singularities in a gravitational collapse as well as discuss, without relying on a specific quantum gravity model, the possible regular spacetimes associated to such regularization of the spacetime fabric. In particular, we shall expose the intimate and quite subtle rel…
Violations of the null convergence condition in kinematical transitions between singular and regular black holes, horizonless compact objects, and bounces
We construct the first family of horizonless supergravity solutions that have the same mass, charges and angular momenta as general supersymmetric rotating D1-D5-P black holes in five dimensions. This family includes solutions with arbitrarily small angular momenta, deep within the regime of quantum numbers and couplings for which a large classical black hole exists. These geometries are well-approximated by the black-hole solution, and in particular exhibit the same near-horizon throat. Deep in this throat, the black-hole singularity is resolved into a smooth cap. We also identify the hologra…
We derive the conditions whereby null rays `defocus' within Infinite Derivative Gravity for perturbations around an (A)dS background, and show that it is therefore possible to avoid singularities within this framework. This is in contrast to Einstein's theory of General Relativity. We further extend this to an (A)dS-Bianchi I background metric, and also give an example of a specific perturbation where defocusing is possible given certain conditions.
Black holes are the most compact objects in the Universe. According to general relativity, black holes have a horizon that hides a singularity where Einstein's theory breaks down. Recently, gravitational waves opened the possibility to probe the existence of horizons and investigate the nature of compact objects. This is of particular interest given some quantum-gravity models which predict the presence of horizonless and singularity-free compact objects. Such exotic compact objects can emit a different gravitational-wave signal relative to the black hole case. In this thesis, we analyze the s…
We calculate the quantum corrections to the Newtonian potential induced by a massless, nonminimally coupled scalar field on Minkowski background. We make use of the graviton vacuum polarization calculated in our previous work and solve the equation of motion nonperturbatively. When written as the quantum-corrected gauge invariant Bardeen potentials, our results show that quantum effects generically antiscreen the Newtonian singularity 1/r. This result supports the point of view that gravity on (super-)Planckian scales is an asymptotically safe theory. In addition, we show that, in the presence…
The interior of the black hole can be described by anisotropic cosmology. By quantizing the metric function, we can obtain the Wheeler-DeWitt equation for inside the horizon. In order to interpret the wave function consistently, one needs to impose a boundary condition. In this paper, we introduce a prescription for the Euclidean analytic continuation inside the horizon and the corresponding wave function solution.
The Schwarzschild singularity's resolution has key values in cracking the key mysteries related with black holes, the origin of their horizon entropy and the information missing puzzle involved in their evaporations. We provide in this work the general dynamic inner metric of collapsing stars with horizons and with non-trivial radial mass distributions. We find that static central singularities are not the final state of the system. Instead, the final state of the system is a periodically zero-cross breathing ball. Through 3+1 decomposed general relativity and its quantum formulation, we estab…
We encounter these demons on the path towards a UV complete QFT of gravity and a horizonless replacement for black holes. The fate of the ghost is discussed in the strong coupling version of classically-scale-invariant quadratic gravity. Rather than a propagating ghost, the full graviton propagator ends up with a slight acausal behavior. We then turn to the 2-2-hole solutions appearing in a classical approximation of the gravity theory. We present a new solution that is sourced by a relativistic gas, where a benign timelike singularity is shrouded by a fireball. Calculating the standard entrop…
The semi-classical Hawking evaporation process of Reissner-Nordström black holes is analyzed. It is shown that this quantum mechanism may turn a near-extremal black-hole spacetime with $T_{\text{BH}}\lesssim \hbar^2/G^2M^3$ into an horizonless naked singularity, thus violating the Penrose cosmic censorship conjecture. It is therefore conjectured that, within the framework of a self-consistent quantum theory of gravity, the Bekenstein-Hawking temperature should be bounded from below by the simple relation $T_{\text{BH}}\gtrsim \hbar^2/G^2M^3$.
We find a plethora of new analytic black holes and globally regular horizonless spacetimes in three dimensions. The solutions involve a single real scalar field $ϕ$ which always admits a magnetic-like expression proportional to the angular coordinate. The new metrics, which satisfy $g_{tt}g_{rr}=-1$ and represent continuous generalizations of the BTZ one, solve the equations of Einstein gravity corrected by a new family of densities (controlled by unconstrained couplings) constructed from positive powers of $(\partial ϕ)^2$ and certain linear combinations of $R^{ab} \partial_a ϕ\partial_b ϕ$ a…
The emergent universe scenario is a proposal for resolving the Big Bang singularity problem in the standard Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker cosmology. In the context of this scenario, the Universe originates from a nonsingular static state. In the present work, considering the realization of the emergent universe scenario, we address the possibility of having a nonsingular Kantowski-Sachs type static state. Considering four and five dimensional models (with and without brane), it is shown that both the existence and stability of a nonsingular state depend on the dimensions of the spacetime…
Astrophysical black hole candidates, although long thought to have a horizon, could be horizonless ultra-compact objects. This intriguing possibility is motivated by the black hole information paradox and a plausible fundamental connection with quantum gravity. Asymptotically free quadratic gravity is considered here as the UV completion of general relativity. A classical theory that captures its main features is used to search for solutions as sourced by matter. We find that sufficiently dense matter produces a novel horizonless configuration, the 2-2-hole, which closely matches the exterior …
GRMHD accretion beyond the black hole paradigm: Light from within the shadow
Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie（马克斯·普朗克射电天文研究所）；Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía-CSIC（安达卢西亚天体物理研究所-CSIC）；Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas, Universidade de São Paulo（圣保罗大学天文、地球物理与大气科学研究所）；International Centre for Space and Cosmology, Ahmedabad University（艾哈迈达巴德大学国际空间与宇宙学中心）
We study shadow aspects of superentropic black holes in four dimensions. Using Hamilton-Jacobi formalism, we first get the null geodesic equations. In the celestial coordinate framework relying on fixed positions of observers, we investigate the shadow behaviors in terms of the mass and the cosmological scale variation parameters. Among others, we obtain ellipse shaped geometries contrary to usual black hole solutions. Modifying the ordinary relations describing geometrical observables, we discuss the size and the shape deformation parameters of these non-trivial geometric forms. Due to horizo…
When Bumblebee Meets NLED: Lorentz-Violating Black Holes and Regular Spacetimes
Center for Joint Quantum Studies, Department of Physics, School of Science, Tianjin University（天津大学理学院物理系联合量子研究中心）；The International Joint Institute of Tianjin University, Fuzhou, Tianjin University（天津大学福州国际联合学院）
A key incentive of quantum gravity is the removal of spacetime singularities plaguing the classical theory. We compute the non-perturbative momentum-dependence of a specific structure function within the gravitational asymptotic safety program which encodes the quantum corrections to the graviton propagator for momenta above the Planck scale. The resulting quantum corrected Newtonian potential approaches a constant negative value as the distance between the two point masses goes to zero, thereby removing the classical singularity. The generic nature of the underlying mechanism suggests that it…
Causal Structure of Spacetime Singularities and Their Observable Signatures
Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT)（查拉塔科学与技术大学）；Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat（萨达尔·瓦拉巴伊国立技术学院苏拉特分校）；Universidade de São Paulo（圣保罗大学）
An analytic model for a total process of gravitational collapse: From star to Schwarzschild black hole
RIKEN（理化学研究所）；Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kyoto University（京都大学汤川理论物理研究所）；Silesian University in Opava（奥帕瓦西里西亚大学）；Universidad de Tarapacá（塔拉帕卡大学）
Gravitational-wave astronomy has the potential to explore one of the deepest and most puzzling aspects of Einstein's theory: the existence of black holes. A plethora of ultracompact, horizonless objects have been proposed to arise in models inspired by quantum gravity. These objects may solve Hawking's information-loss paradox and the singularity problem associated with black holes, while mimicking almost all of their classical properties. They are, however, generically unstable on relatively short timescales. Here, we show that this "ergoregion instability" leads to a strong stochastic backgr…
We calculate the radial profiles of galaxies where the nuclear region is self-gravitating, consisting of self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) with $F$ degrees of freedom. For sufficiently high density this dark matter becomes collisional, regardless of its behaviour on galaxy scales. Our calculations show a spike in the central density profile, with properties determined by the dark matter microphysics, and the densities can reach the `mean density' of a black hole (from dividing the black-hole mass by the volume enclosed by the Schwarzschild radius). For a galaxy halo of given compactness ($χ=…
The information loss paradox is often discussed from the perspective of the observers who stay outside of a black hole. However, the interior spacetime of a black hole can be rather nontrivial. We discuss the open problems regarding the volume of a black hole, and whether it plays any role in information storage. We also emphasize the importance of resolving the black hole singularity, if one were to resolve the information loss paradox.
During the final stages of black hole evaporation, ultraviolet deviations from General Relativity eventually become dramatic, potentially affecting the end-state. We explore this problem by performing nonlinear simulations of wave packets in Einstein-dilaton-Gauss-Bonnet gravity, the only gravity theory with quadratic curvature terms which can be studied at fully nonperturbative level. Black holes in this theory have a minimum mass but also a nonvanishing temperature. This poses a puzzle concerning the final fate of Hawking evaporation in the presence of high-curvature nonperturbative effects.…
We investigate how the resolution of the singularity problem for the Schwarzschild BH could be related to the presence of quantum gravity effects at horizon scales. Motivated by the analogy with the cosmological Schwarzschild-dS solution, we construct a class of non-singular, static, asymptotically-flat BH solutions with a dS core, sourced by an anisotropic fluid, which encodes the quantum corrections. The latter are parametrized by a single length-scale $\ell$, which has a dual interpretation as an effective "quantum hair" and as the length-scale resolving the classical singularity. Depending…
We show that Weyl-invariant dilaton gravity provides a description of black holes without classical spacetime singularities. Singularities appear due to ill-behaviour of gauge fixing conditions, one example being the gauge in which theory is classically equivalent to standard General Relativity. The main conclusions of our analysis are: (1) singularities signal a phase transition from broken to unbroken phase of Weyl symmetry, (2) instead of a singularity there is a "baby-universe" or a white hole inside a black hole, (3) in the baby universe scenario there is a critical mass after which reduc…
The destructive interference of the neighbouring field configurations with infinite classical action in the gravitational path integral approach serves as a dynamical mechanism resolving the black hole singularity problem. It also provides an isotropic and homogeneous early universe without the need of inflation. In this work, we elaborate on the finite action in the framework of Horava-Lifshitz gravity -- a ghost-free QFT. Assuming the mixmaster chaotic solutions in the projectable H-L theory, we show that the beginning of the universe is homogeneous and isotropic. Furthermore, we show that t…
Assume that there exists a fundamental theory of gravity which has a fundamental length scale and which is capable of explaining black hole evolution process fully in terms of fundamental microscopic degrees of freedom. The resultant evolution will clearly be unitary and will have no information loss. Carrying this assumption to its logical conclusion and, in particular, by considering the size of the region obtained by resolving the black hole singularity in such a theory, we arrive at a scenario very similar to that in Mathur's fuzz ball proposal where there is no horizon. We also comment on…
The success of loop quantum cosmology to resolve classical singularities of homogeneous models has led to its application to the classical Schwarszchild black hole interior, which takes the form of a homogeneous Kantowski-Sachs model. The first steps of this were done in pure quantum mechanical terms, hinting at the traversable character of the would-be classical singularity, and then others were performed using effective heuristic models capturing quantum effects that allowed a geometrical description closer to the classical one but avoided its singularity. However, the problem of establishin…
Testing the Spacetime Geometry of Sgr A* with the Relativistic Orbit of S2 star
Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas, Universidade de São Paulo（圣保罗大学天文、地球物理和大气科学研究所）；P. D. Patel Institute for Applied Sciences, Charusat University（Charusat大学P.D. Patel应用科学学院）；CENTRA, Departamento de Física, Instituto Superior Técnico – IST, Universidade de Lisboa – UL（里斯本大学高等理工学院物理系CENTRA中心）
Coherent quantum state corrections in RN--black holes: Photon dynamics, shadow casts, and energy backreaction
University of KwaZulu-Natal（夸祖鲁-纳塔尔大学）；Khazar University（哈扎尔大学）；Jadara University（贾达拉大学）；University Hassan II（哈桑二世大学）；Ibn Tofail University（伊本·图费勒大学）；Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics（阿卜杜斯·萨拉姆理论物理国际中心）；Central Asian University（中亚大学）；University of Tashkent for Applied Sciences（塔什干应用科学大学）；Ulugh Beg Astronomical Institute（乌鲁伯格天文研究所）；Kimyo International University in Tashkent（塔什干基莫国际大学）；Samarkand State University of Architecture and Construction（撒马尔罕国立建筑与建设大学）
We study the quantum dynamics of the Lemaître-Tolman-Bondi space-times using a polymer quantization prescription based on loop quantum cosmology that incorporates fundamental discreteness. By solving an effective equation derived from this quantization, we find analytical solutions for the Oppenheimer-Snyder and thin-shell collapse models, and numerical solutions for a variety of asymptotically flat collapsing dust profiles. Our study (i) tracks the formation, evolution and disappearance of dynamical horizons, (ii) shows that matter undergoes a non-singular bounce that results in an outgoing s…
