Study finds black holes made from light are impossible — challenging Einstein's theory of relativity
New research challenges the possibility of forming black holes solely from light particles, which poses a challenge to Einstein's theory of general relativity. The recently conducted theoretical study explores the concept of "kugelblitze," black holes derived purely from light, and finds them to be implausible in our universe. The results not only have significant implications for cosmological models but also showcase the potential of reconciling quantum mechanics and general relativity to address complex scientific questions.
Black holes have always fascinated scientists due to their immense gravitational pull, so strong that even light cannot escape. Conventionally, they are understood to form from the collapse of massive stars as their lifecycles come to an end, with the force of gravity overpowering the pressure from thermonuclear reactions in their cores.
However, the formation of black holes can be explored through more unconventional theories. One such hypothesis involves the creation of "kugelblitz," which translates to "ball lightning" in German. According to this concept, a black hole could be formed by concentrating substantial amounts of electromagnetic radiation, such as light. While light particles themselves lack mass, they possess energy, and according to Einstein's theory of general relativity, energy can generate curvatures in space-time, resulting in gravitational attraction. This implies that under specific circumstances, light could potentially give rise to black holes if it is sufficiently concentrated.
Nevertheless, these principles are based on classical general relativity, which neglects the influence of quantum phenomena. To investigate the potential impact of quantum effects on the formation of kugelblitze, researchers delved into the influence of the Schwinger effect. The Schwinger effect describes how extremely intense electromagnetic energy, like high concentrations of light, can transmute into matter in the form of electron-positron pairs. This effect, also known as vacuum polarization, occurs due to quantum processes.
The study, yet to be published but accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters, focused on calculating the rate at which electron-positron pairs, produced in an electromagnetic field, deplete energy. The researchers concluded that under even the most extreme conditions, pure light could never attain the necessary energy threshold to form a black hole.
These findings hold profound implications, significantly limiting previously considered astrophysical and cosmological models that rely on the existence of kugelblitze. Moreover, hopes of experimentally studying black holes in laboratory settings through the creation of black holes via electromagnetic radiation have been dashed. However, the study's outcomes highlight the efficient integration of quantum effects into gravity-related problems, providing accurate answers to scientific inquiries.
The researchers, motivated by their discoveries, plan to further explore the influence of quantum effects on various gravitational phenomena. This ongoing research holds both practical and fundamental significance, pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge in this field.
"With a positive outcome, we have demonstrated how quantum effects can play a crucial role in understanding the formation and properties of astrophysical objects," noted José Polo-Gómez, one of the study's co-authors. The team's journey will continue, delving into the gravitational properties of quantum matter, particularly in scenarios where traditional energy conditions are violated. Such quantum matter has the potential to give rise to extraordinary space-time effects, including repulsive gravity, the Alcubierre warp drive, or traversable wormholes.