Quantum-Corrected Black Holes: Constructing and Investigating Modified Black Hole Models with Quantum Corrections and Exploring Avenues for Testable Predictions
Open Access
- Author:
- Berglund, Kallan Llan
- Graduate Program:
- Physics
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- June 06, 2024
- Committee Members:
- Ping Xu, Outside Unit & Field Member
Bangalore Sathyaprakash, Major Field Member
Eugenio Bianchi, Major Field Member
Martin Bojowald, Chair & Dissertation Advisor
Mauricio Terrones, Program Head/Chair - Keywords:
- Quantum gravity
black hole
canonical gravity
quantum correction
modified gravitiy
superposition
gravity
gravitational physics
gravitational waves
quasinormal modes
quantum switch
Physics education research
PEI
Equity
Diversity
Inclusion
Advocacy
mental health
resources
advice
mentorship
outreach
science communication
EDI - Abstract:
- The extreme spacetime environments of modified black holes are an ideal context in which to study possible quantum corrections. This is critical for reconciling general relativity and quantum mechanics and creating a theory of quantum gravity. In this dissertation, I use canonical gravity methods to construct, reinterpret, and probe the properties of quantum-corrected black holes, with the goal of refining modified gravity models, in the pursuit of a theory of quantum gravity. First, I construct a quasi-classical static black hole model with an additional scalar field introduced in the Hamiltonian constraint, and I derive the form of the resulting quantum effects surrounding the horizon and asymptotically. Then, I demonstrate that this model can be similarly constructed as a superposition of classical black holes of varying mass by deriving a quantum modification to the Newtonian potential in the asymptotic limit. Finally, I calculate the effect of a related quantum correction on established volume calculations for the interior of the event horizon. Together, this work provides key insights into the possible structures and behaviors of quantum black holes, opening avenues to probe the information paradox, black hole "deaths," mass uncertainty, and other mysteries of black hole physics. These advances lay the groundwork for potential future predictions such as quantum switch behaviors around quantum black holes and gravitational wave quasinormal mode observables from mergers of modified black holes.