The notion of optical geometry, introduced more than 20 years ago as a formal tool in quantum field theory on a static background, has recently found several applications to the study of physical processes around compact objects. In this paper we define optical geometry for spherically symmetric gravitational collapse, with the purpose of extending the current formalism to physically interesting spacetimes which are not conformally static. The treatment is fully general but, as an example, we also discuss the special case of the Oppenheimer-Snyder model. The analysis of the late-time behavior shows a close correspondence between the structure of optical spacetime for gravitational collapse and that of flat spacetime with an accelerating boundary. Thus, optical geometry provides a natural physical interpretation for derivations of the Hawking effect based on the “moving mirror analogy.” Finally, we briefly discuss the issue of back reaction in black hole evaporation and the information paradox from the perspective of optical geometry.

Optical geometry for gravitational collapse and Hawking radiation

SONEGO, Sebastiano;
2000-01-01

Abstract

The notion of optical geometry, introduced more than 20 years ago as a formal tool in quantum field theory on a static background, has recently found several applications to the study of physical processes around compact objects. In this paper we define optical geometry for spherically symmetric gravitational collapse, with the purpose of extending the current formalism to physically interesting spacetimes which are not conformally static. The treatment is fully general but, as an example, we also discuss the special case of the Oppenheimer-Snyder model. The analysis of the late-time behavior shows a close correspondence between the structure of optical spacetime for gravitational collapse and that of flat spacetime with an accelerating boundary. Thus, optical geometry provides a natural physical interpretation for derivations of the Hawking effect based on the “moving mirror analogy.” Finally, we briefly discuss the issue of back reaction in black hole evaporation and the information paradox from the perspective of optical geometry.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Optical geometry for gravitational collapse and Hawking radiation.pdf

non disponibili

Tipologia: Documento in Post-print
Licenza: Non pubblico
Dimensione 172.92 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
172.92 kB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11390/852547
 Attenzione

Attenzione! I dati visualizzati non sono stati sottoposti a validazione da parte dell'ateneo

Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 11
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 11
social impact