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arXiv · 1002.4651

Quantum Non-Gravity and Stellar Collapse

C. Barcelo·L. J. Garay·G. Jannes
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Abstract

Observational indications combined with analyses of analogue and emergent gravity in condensed matter systems support the possibility that there might be two distinct energy scales related to quantum gravity: the scale that sets the onset of quantum gravitational effects $E_B$ (related to the Planck scale) and the much higher scale $E_L$ signalling the breaking of Lorentz symmetry. We suggest a natural interpretation for these two scales: $E_L$ is the energy scale below which a special relativistic spacetime emerges, $E_B$ is the scale below which this spacetime geometry becomes curved. This implies that the first `quantum' gravitational effect around $E_B$ could simply be that gravity is progressively switched off, leaving an effective Minkowski quantum field theory up to much higher energies of the order of $E_L$. This scenario may have important consequences for gravitational collapse, inasmuch as it opens up new possibilities for the final state of stellar collapse other than an evaporating black hole.

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C. Barcelo, L. J. Garay, G. Jannes. 2011-06-21. Quantum Non-Gravity and Stellar Collapse. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10701-011-9577-9

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