Artist's illustration of loop quantum gravity.
Posted on 04/07/2013 12:16:44 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
As a quantum theory of gravity, loop quantum gravity could potentially solve one of the biggest problems in physics: reconciling general relativity and quantum mechanics. But like all tentative theories of quantum gravity, loop quantum gravity has never been experimentally tested. Now in a new study, scientists have found that, when black holes evaporate, the radiation they emit could potentially reveal “footprints” of loop quantum gravity, distinct from the usual Hawking radiation that black holes are expected to emit.
In this way, evaporating black holes could enable the first ever experimental test for any theory of quantum gravity. However, the proposed test would not be easy, since scientists have not yet been able to detect any kind of radiation from an evaporating black hole...
In their study, the scientists have used algorithms to show that primordial black holes are expected to reveal two distinct loop quantum gravity signatures, while larger black holes are expected to reveal one distinct signature. These signatures refer to features in the black hole’s energy spectrum, such as broad peaks at certain energy levels.
Using Monte Carlo simulations, the scientists estimated the circumstances under which they could discriminate the predicted signatures of loop quantum gravity and those of the Hawking radiation that black holes are expected to emit with or without loop quantum gravity. They found that a discrimination is possible as long as there are enough black holes or a relatively small error on the energy reconstruction.
While the scientists have shown that an analysis of black hole evaporation could possibly serve as a probe for loop quantum gravity, they note that one of the biggest challenges will be simply detecting evaporating black holes.
(Excerpt) Read more at phys.org ...
Artist's illustration of loop quantum gravity.
Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG)
 |
||
| · join · view topics · view or post blog · bookmark · post new topic · subscribe · | ||
| Google news searches: exoplanet · exosolar · extrasolar · | ||
Thanks SunkenCiv. Lots of ‘Black Hole’ stuff lately.. interesting..
Alternate caption: “Upon opening Schrödinger’s box ...”
So.....goalposts are made in black holes. I knew it. I just knew it.
Black holes evaporate? This proves my THE UNIVERSE IS MADE OF PEPSI THEORY.
Which proves my theory obama isn’t really black. He is just so dense light bends around him.
“Which proves my theory obama isn’t really black. He is just so dense light bends around him.”
May I buy that statement. Do you give discounts?
That issue is easily fixed by an Executive Order revoking the laws of Physics.
Good find, thanks.
oooh, that looks like a great candidate to replace the “cat struggling with string theory” graphic that disappeared.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
