arXiv subjects

A. J. M. Medved

Publications and source records attributed to A. J. M. Medved.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2003

A note on quasinormal modes: A tale of two treatments

There is an apparent discrepancy in the literature with regard to the quasinormal mode frequencies of Schwarzschild-de Sitter black holes in the degenerate-horizon limit. On the one hand, a Poschl-Teller-inspired method predicts that the real part of the frequencies will depend strongly on the orbital angular momentum of the perturbation field whereas, on the other hand, the degenerate limit of a monodromy-based calculation suggests there should be no such dependence (at least, for the highly damped modes). In the current paper, we provide a possible resolution by critically re-assessing the limiting procedure used in the monodromy analysis.

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arXiv2003

Dirty black holes: Quasinormal modes for "squeezed" horizons

We consider the quasinormal modes for a class of black hole spacetimes that, informally speaking, contain a closely ``squeezed'' pair of horizons. (This scenario, where the relevant observer is presumed to be ``trapped'' between the horizons, is operationally distinct from near-extremal black holes with an external observer.) It is shown, by analytical means, that the spacing of the quasinormal frequencies equals the surface gravity at the squeezed horizons. Moreover, we can calculate the real part of these frequencies provided that the horizons are sufficiently close together (but not necessarily degenerate or even ``nearly degenerate''). The novelty of our analysis (which extends a model-specific treatment by Cardoso and Lemos) is that we consider ``dirty'' black holes; that is, the observable portion of the (static and spherically symmetric) spacetime is allowed to contain an arbitrary distribution of matter.

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arXiv2003

Thermal Fluctuations and Black Hole Entropy

In this paper, we consider the effect of thermal fluctuations on the entropy of both neutral and charged black holes. We emphasize the distinction between fixed and fluctuating charge systems; using a canonical ensemble to describe the former and a grand canonical ensemble to study the latter. Our novel approach is based on the philosophy that the black hole quantum spectrum is an essential component in any such calculation. For definiteness, we employ a uniformly spaced area spectrum, which has been advocated by Bekenstein and others in the literature. The generic results are applied to some specific models; in particular, various limiting cases of an (arbitrary-dimensional) AdS-Reissner-Nordstrom black hole. We find that the leading-order quantum correction to the entropy can consistently be expressed as the logarithm of the classical quantity. For a small AdS curvature parameter and zero net charge, it is shown that, independent of the dimension, the logarithmic prefactor is +1/2 when the charge is fixed but +1 when the charge is fluctuating.We also demonstrate that, in the grand canonical framework, the fluctuations in the charge are large, $ΔQ\simΔA\sim S_{BH}^{1/2}$, even when $ =0$. A further implication of this framework is that an asymptotically flat, non-extremal black hole can never achieve a state of thermal equilibrium.

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arXiv2003

Questions of Stability near Black Hole Critical Points

In this letter, we discuss how thermal fluctuations can effect the stability of (generally) charged black holes when close to certain critical points. Our novel treatment utilizes the black hole area spectrum (which is, for definiteness, taken to be evenly spaced) and makes an important distinction between fixed and fluctuating charge systems (with these being modeled, respectively, as a canonical and grand canonical ensemble.) The discussion begins with a summary of a recent technical paper [gr-qc/0305018]. We then go on to consider the issue of stability when the system approaches the critical points of interest. These include the $d$-dimensional analogue of the Hawking-Page phase transition, a phase transition that is relevant to Reissner-Nordstrom black holes and various extremal-limiting cases.

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arXiv2003

Horizon Dynamics of a BTZ Black Hole

It has been suggested in the literature that, given a black hole spacetime, a relativistic membrane can provide an effective description of the horizon dynamics. In this paper, we explore such a framework in the context of a 2+1-dimensional BTZ black hole. Following this membrane prescription, we are able to translate the horizon dynamics (now described by a string) into the convenient form of a 1+1-dimensional Klein-Gordon equation. We proceed to quantize the solutions and construct a thermodynamic partition function. Ultimately, we are able to extract the quantum-corrected entropy, which is shown to comply with the BTZ form of the Bekenstein-Hawking area law. We also substantiate that the leading-order correction is proportional to the logarithm of the area.

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arXiv2003

Holographic Central Charge for 2-Dimensional de Sitter Space

Recently, investigations have begun into a holographic duality for two-dimensional de Sitter space. In this paper, we evaluate the associated central charge, using a modified version of the canonical Hamiltonian method that was first advocated by Catelani {\it et al}. Our computation agrees with that of a prior work (Cadoni {\it et al}), but we argue that the method used here is, perhaps, aesthetically preferable on holographic grounds. We also confirm an agreement between the Cardy and thermodynamic entropy, thus providing further support for the conjectured two-dimensional de Sitter/conformal field theory correspondence.

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arXiv2003

Nearly Degenerate dS Horizons from a 2-D Perspective

Some recent studies have implied that quantum fluctuations will prevent a near-extremal black hole from ever attaining a state of precise extremality. In this paper, we consider the analogous situation for the scenario of a nearly degenerate Schwarzschild-de Sitter black hole (of arbitrary dimensionality). For this purpose, we utilize a holographic type of duality between the solutions of interest and the near-massless sector of (two-dimensional) Jackiw-Teitelboim theory. After explicitly demonstrating this duality, we go on to argue that, on the basis of one-loop considerations, a similar censorship applies in this de Sitter context. That is, quantum back-reaction effects will conspire to prohibit a non-degenerate Schwarzschild-de Sitter spacetime from continuously evolving into a degenerate (i.e., Nariai) black hole solution.

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arXiv2003

Of Bounces, Branes and Bounds

Some recent studies have considered a Randall-Sundrum-like brane world evolving in the background of an anti-de Sitter Reissner-Nordstrom black hole. For this scenario, it has been shown that, when the bulk charge is non-vanishing, a singularity-free ``bounce'' universe will always be obtained. However, for the physically relevant case of a de Sitter brane world, we have recently argued that, from a holographic (c-theorem) perspective, such brane worlds may not be physically viable. In the current paper, we reconsider the validity of such models by appealing to the so-called ``causal entropy bound''. In this framework, a paradoxical outcome is obtained: these brane worlds are indeed holographically viable, provided that the bulk charge is not too small. We go on to argue that this new finding is likely the more reliable one.

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arXiv2002

Quantum Spectrum for a Kerr-Newman Black Hole

In this paper, we consider the quantum area spectrum for a rotating and charged (Kerr-Newman) black hole. Generalizing a recent study on Kerr black holes (which was inspired by the static-black hole formalism of Barvinsky, Das and Kunstatter), we show that the quantized area operator can be expressed in terms of three quantum numbers (roughly related to the mass, charge and spin sectors). More precisely, we find that $A=8π\hbar[n+{1\over 2}+{p_1\over 2}+p_2]$, where $n$, $p_1$ and $p_2$ are strictly non-negative integers. In this way, we are able to confirm a uniformly spaced spectrum even for a fully general Kerr-Newman black hole. Along the way, we derive certain selection rules and use these to demonstrate that, in spite of appearances, the charge and spin spectra are not completely independent.

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arXiv2002

Kerr Black Hole as a Quantum Rotator

It has been proposed by Bekenstein and others that the horizon area of a black hole conforms, upon quantization, to a discrete and uniformly spaced spectrum. In this paper, we consider the area spectrum for the highly non-trivial case of a rotating (Kerr) black hole solution. Following a prior work by Barvinsky, Das and Kunstatter, we are able to express the area spectrum in terms of an integer-valued quantum number and an angular-momentum operator. Moreover, by using an analogy between the Kerr black hole and a quantum rotator, we are able to quantize the angular-momentum sector. We find the area spectrum to be $A_{n,J_{cl}}=8π\hbar(n+J_{cl}+1/2)$, where $n$ and $J_{cl}$ are both integers. The quantum number $J_{cl}$ is related to but distinct from the eigenvalue $j$ of the angular momentum of the black hole. Actually, it represents the ``classical'' angular momentum and, for $J_{cl}\gg 1$, $J_{cl}\approx j$.

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arXiv2002

Quantum-Corrected Entropy for 1+1-Dimensional Gravity Revisited

In this paper, we examine a generic theory of 1+1-dimensional gravity with coupling to a scalar field. Special attention is paid to a class of models that have a power-law form of dilaton potential and can capably admit black hole solutions. The study focuses on the formulation of a Lorentzian partition function. We incorporate the principles of Hamiltonian thermodynamics, as well as black hole spectroscopy, and find that the partition function can be expressed in a well-defined, calculable form. We then go on to extract the black hole entropy, including the leading-order quantum correction. As anticipated, this correction can be expressed as the logarithm of the classical entropy. Interestingly, the prefactor for this logarithmic correction disagrees, in both magnitude and sign, with the findings from a prior study (on the very same model). We comment on this discrepancy and provide a possible rationalization.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

Bad News on the Brane

There has been substantial interest in obtaining a quantum-gravitational description of de Sitter space. However, any such attempts have encountered formidable obstacles, and new philosophical directions may be in order. One possibility, although somewhat speculative, would be to view the physical universe as a timelike hypersurface evolving in a higher-dimensional bulk spacetime; that is, the renowned brane-world scenario. In this paper, we extend some recent studies along this line, and consider a non-critical 3-brane moving in the background of an anti-de Sitter Reissner-Nordstrom-like black hole. Interestingly, even an arbitrarily small electrostatic charge in the bulk can induce a singularity-free ``bounce'' universe on the brane, whereas a vanishing charge typically implies a singular cosmology. However, under closer examination, from a holographic (dS/CFT) perspective, we demonstrate that the charge-induced bounce cosmologies are not physically viable. This implies the necessity for censoring against charge in a bulk black hole.

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arXiv2002

Radiation via Tunneling from a de Sitter Cosmological Horizon

Hawking radiation can usefully be viewed as a semi-classical tunneling process that originates at the black hole horizon. The same basic premise should apply to de Sitter background radiation, with the cosmological horizon of de Sitter space now playing the featured role. In fact, a recent work [hep-th/0204107] has gone a long way to verifying the validity of this de Sitter-tunneling picture. In the current paper, we extend these prior considerations to arbitrary-dimensional de Sitter space, as well as Schwarzschild-de Sitter spacetimes. It is shown that the tunneling formalism naturally censors against any black hole with a mass in excess of the Nariai value; thus enforcing a ``third law'' of Schwarzschild-de Sitter thermodynamics. We also provide commentary on the dS/CFT correspondence in the context of this tunneling framework.

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arXiv2002

Big Bangs and Bounces on the Brane

In view of our accelerating universe, one of the outstanding theoretical issues is the absence of a quantum-gravitational description of de Sitter space. Although speculative, an intriguing circumvention may be found in the realm of brane-world scenarios; where the physical universe can be interpreted as a non-critical 3-brane moving in a higher-dimensional, static bulk. In this paper, we focus on the cosmological implications of a positively curved brane world evolving in the background of a ``topological'' anti-de Sitter black hole (i.e, Schwarzschild-like but with an arbitrary horizon topology). We show that the bulk black hole will typically induce either an asymptotically de Sitter ``bounce'' universe or a big bang/big crunch FRW universe, depending on a critical value of mass. Interestingly, the critical mass is only non-vanishing in the case of a spherical horizon geometry. We go on to provide a holographic interpretation of this curiosity.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

How Not to Construct an Asymptotically de Sitter Universe

Observational evidence suggests that our universe is currently evolving towards an asymptotically de Sitter future. Unfortunately and in spite of much recent attention, various quantum, holographic and cosmological aspects of de Sitter space remain quite enigmatic. With such intrigue in mind, this paper considers the ``construction'' of a toy model that describes an asymptotically de Sitter universe. More specifically, we add fluid-like matter to an otherwise purely de Sitter spacetime, formulate the relevant solutions and then discuss the cosmological and holographic implications. If the objective is to construct an asymptotically de Sitter universe that is free of singularities and has a straightforward holographic interpretation, then the results of this analysis are decidedly negative. Nonetheless, this toy model nicely illustrates the pitfalls that might be encountered in a more realistic type of construction.

hep-th↗

arXiv2002

dS-Holographic C-Functions with a Topological, Dilatonic Twist

Recently, the holographic aspects of asymptotically de Sitter spacetimes have generated substantial literary interest. The plot continues in this paper, as we investigate a certain class of dilatonically deformed ``topological'' de Sitter solutions (which were introduced in hep-th/0110234). Although such solutions possess a detrimental cosmological singularity, their interpretation from a holographic perspective remains somewhat unclear. The current focus is on the associated generalized $C$-functions, which are shown to maintain their usual monotonicity properties in spite of this exotic framework. These findings suggest that such topological solutions may still play a role in our understanding of quantum gravity with a positive cosmological constant.

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arXiv2002

Asymptotically Flat Holography and Strings on the Horizon

Recently, Klemm and others [hep-th/0104141] have successfully generalized the Cardy-Verlinde formula for an asymptotically flat spacetime of arbitrary dimensionality. And yet, from a holographic perspective, the interpretation of this formula remains somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, in this paper, we incorporate the implied flat space/CFT duality into a study on boundary descriptions of a $d$-dimensional Schwarzschild-black hole spacetime. In particular, we demonstrate that the (presumably) dual CFT adopts a string-like description and, moreover, is thermodynamically equivalent to a string that lives on the stretched horizon of the bulk black hole. Significantly, a similar equivalence has recently been established in both an asymptotically dS and AdS context. On this basis, we argue that the asymptotically flat Cardy-Verlinde formula does, indeed, have a holographic pedigree.

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arXiv2002

AdS Holography and Strings on the Horizon

The microscopic origin of black hole entropy remains one of the more intriguing open questions in theoretical physics. A subplot in this drama is the renowned Cardy-Verlinde formula, which uses two-dimensional conformal formalism to explain the entropy of an arbitrary-dimensional black hole. In this paper, by exploiting the AdS/CFT and black hole-string dualities, we are able to provide a physical picture for this paradoxical behavior. Following a recent study by Haylo (in a dS context), we show that the dual CFT for an asymptotically AdS spacetime actually conforms to a string-like description. Moreover, we demonstrate that this stringy CFT is directly related to a string that lives on the stretched horizon of an AdS-Schwarzschild-like black hole. In fact, after an appropriate renormalization, these two boundary theories are shown to be thermodynamically equivalent.

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