arXiv subjects

Pankaj S. Joshi

Publications and source records attributed to Pankaj S. Joshi.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

arXiv2011

Key problems in black hole physics today

We review here some of the major open issues and challenges in black hole physics today, and the current progress on the same. It is pointed out that to secure a concrete foundation for the basic theory as well as astrophysical applications for black hole physics, it is essential to gain a suitable insight into these questions. In particular, we discuss the recent results investigating the final fate of a massive star within the framework of the Einstein gravity, and the stability and genericity aspects of the gravitational collapse outcomes in terms of black holes and naked singularities. Recent developments such as spinning up a black hole by throwing matter into it, and physical effects near naked singularities are considered. It is pointed out that some of the new results obtained in recent years in the theory of gravitational collapse imply interesting possibilities and understanding for the theoretical advances in gravity as well as towards new astrophysical applications.

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arXiv2011

Collapse and dispersal in massless scalar field models

The phenomena of collapse and dispersal for a massless scalar field has drawn considerable interest in recent years, mainly from a numerical perspective. We give here a sufficient condition for the dispersal to take place for a scalar field that initially begins with a collapse. It is shown that the change of the gradient of the scalar field from a timelike to a spacelike vector must be necessarily accompanied by the dispersal of the scalar field. This result holds independently of any symmetries of the spacetime. We demonstrate the result explicitly by means of an example, which is the scalar field solution given by Roberts. The implications of the result are discussed.

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arXiv2011

Static spherically symmetric scalar field spacetimes with C^0 matching

All the classes of static massless scalar field models available currently in the Einstein theory of gravity necessarily contain a strong curvature naked singularity. We obtain here a family of solutions for static massless scalar fields coupled to gravity, which does not have any strong curvature singularity. This class of models contain a thin shell of singular matter, which has a physical interpretation. The central curvature singularity is, however, avoided which is common to all static massless scalar field spacetimes models known so far. Our result thus points out that the full class of solutions in this case may contain non-singular models, which is an intriguing possibility.

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arXiv2011

Naked Singularities as Particle Accelerators II

We generalize here our earlier results on particle acceleration by naked singularities. We showed recently[1] that the naked singularities that form due to gravitational collapse of massive stars provide a suitable environment where particles could get accelerated and collide at arbitrarily high center of mass energies. However, we focussed there only on the spherically symmetric gravitational collapse models, which were also assumed to be self-similar. In this paper, we broaden and generalize the result to all gravitational collapse models leading to the formation of a naked singularity as final state of collapse, evolving from a regular initial data, without making any prior restrictive assumptions about the spacetime symmetries such as above. We show that when the particles interact and collide near the Cauchy horizon, the energy of collision in the center of mass frame will be arbitrarily high, thus offering a window to the Planck scale physics. We also consider the issue of various possible physical mechanisms of generation of such very high energy particles from the vicinity of naked singularity. We then construct a model of gravitational collapse to a timelike naked singularity to demonstrate the working of these ideas, where the pressure is allowed to be negative but the energy conditions are respected. We show that a finite amount of mass-energy density has to be necessarily radiated away from the vicinity of the naked singularity as the collapse evolves. Therefore the nature of naked singularities, both at classical and quantum level could play an important role in the process of particle acceleration, explaining the occurrence of highly energetic outgoing particles in the vicinity of Cauchy horizon that participate in extreme high energy collisions.

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arXiv2011

Instability of black hole formation in gravitational collapse

We consider here the classic scenario given by Oppenheimer, Snyder, and Datt, for the gravitational collapse of a massive matter cloud, and examine its stability under the introduction of small tangential stresses. We show, by offering an explicit class of physically valid tangential stress perturbations, that an introduction of tangential pressure, however small, can qualitatively change the final fate of collapse from a black hole final state to a naked singularity. This shows instability of black hole formation in collapse and sheds important light on the nature of cosmic censorship hypothesis and its possible formulations. The key effect of these perturbations is to alter the trapped surface formation pattern within the collapsing cloud and the apparent horizon structure. This allows the singularity to be visible, and implications are discussed.

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arXiv2010

Naked singularities as particle accelerators

We investigate here the particle acceleration by naked singularities to arbitrarily high center of mass energies. Recently it has been suggested that black holes could be used as particle accelerators to probe the Planck scale physics. We show that the naked singularities serve the same purpose and probably would do better than their black hole counterparts. We focus on the scenario of a self-similar gravitational collapse starting from a regular initial data, leading to the formation of a globally naked singularity. It is seen that when particles moving along timelike geodesics interact and collide near the Cauchy horizon, the energy of collision in the center of mass frame will be arbitrarily high, thus offering a window to Planck scale physics.

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arXiv2010

Spacetime Singularities and Cosmic Censorship

We present here a brief review and discussion on recent developments in the theory of spacetime singularities. After mentioning some key motivations on the main ideas and concepts involved, we take the approach that the singularities will be eventually resolved by the quantum gravity effects. Some consequences are indicated when such singularities are visible to far away observers in the universe.

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arXiv2010

Trapped surfaces and horizons in static massless scalar field spacetimes

We consider here the existence and structure of trapped surfaces, horizons and singularities in spherically symmetric static massless scalar field spacetimes. Earlier studies have shown that there exists no event horizon in such spacetimes if the scalar field is asymptotically flat. We extend this result here to show that this is true in general for spherically symmetric static massless scalar field spacetimes, whether the scalar field is asymptotically flat or not. Other general properties and certain important features of these models are also discussed.

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arXiv2010

Regularity of initial data in dynamical massless scalar field models

We discuss here the issue of regularity of initial data for dynamical spherically symmetric massless scalar field models in a spacetime. Generalizing the known solutions of Einstein equations given in this case by Wyman and Roberts, we examine the issue of regularity on a given spacelike surface, especially when the gradient of the field is spacelike. In particular, we isolate the class of models which would have necessarily a singularity at the center, and therefore these would be unsuitable for studying either gravitational collapse or dynamical evolutions in cosmology.

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arXiv2009

Gravitational collapse of a minimally coupled massless scalar field

We study here the evolution of a massless scalar field in a spacetime, developing from a regular initial spacelike surface. The Einstein equations and regularity and boundary conditions governing the same are specified. Both homogeneous and inhomogeneous collapse models are considered and we analyze when the occurrence of singularity will be simultaneous or otherwise. In the inhomogeneous collapse case, we characterize a wide family of black hole solutions arising in scalar field collapse. We also discuss the possibility of existence of classes of non-singular models where collapse could almost freeze if suitable conditions are satisfied.

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arXiv2009

Accelerated cosmic expansion in a scalar-field universe

We consider here a spherically symmetric but inhomogeneous universe filled with a massless scalar field. The model obeys two constraints. The first one is that the gradient of the scalar field is timelike everywhere. The second constraint is that the radial coordinate basis vector is a unit vector field in the comoving coordinate system. We find that the resultant dynamical solutions compose a one-parameter family of self-similar models which is known as the Roberts solution. The solutions are divided into three classes. The first class consists of solutions with only one spacelike singularity in the synchronous-comoving chart. The second class consists of solutions with two singularities which are null and spacelike, respectively. The third class consists of solutions with two spacelike singularities which correspond to the big bang and big crunch, respectively. We see that, in the first case, a comoving volume exponentially expands as in an inflationary period; the fluid elements are accelerated outwards form the symmetry center, even though the strong energy condition is satisfied. This behavior is very different from that observed in the homogeneous and isotropic universe in which the fluid elements would move outwards with deceleration, if the strong energy conditions are satisfied. We are thus able to achieve the accelerated expansion of the universe for the models considered here, without a need to violate the energy conditions. The cosmological features of the models are examined in some detail.

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arXiv2007

On trapped surface formation in gravitational collapse II

Further to our consideration on trapped surfaces in gravitational collapse, where pressures were allowed to be negative while satisfying weak energy condition to avoid trapped surface formation, we discuss here several other attempts of similar nature in this direction. Certain astrophysical aspects are pointed out towards examining the physical realization of such a possibility in realistic gravitational collapse.

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arXiv2007

Critical Collapse of Einstein Cluster

We observe critical phenomena in spherically symmetric gravitational collapse of Einstein Cluster. We show analytically that the collapse evolution ends either in formation of a black hole or in dispersal depending on the values of initial parameters which characterize initial density and angular momentum of the collapsing cloud. Near the threshold of black hole formation, we obtain scaling relation for the mass of the black hole and find the critical exponent value to be 3/2. We numerically confirm that there exist wide ranges of initial parameter values around the critical configuration for which the model remains shell-crossing free.

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arXiv2007

Rebounce and Black hole formation in a Gravitational Collapse Model with Vanishing Radial Pressure

We examine spherical gravitational collapse of a matter model with vanishing radial pressure and non-zero tangential pressure. It is seen analytically that the collapsing cloud either forms a black hole or disperses depending on values of the initial parameters which are initial density, tangential pressure and velocity profile of the cloud. A threshold of black hole formation is observed near which a scaling relation is obtained for the mass of black hole, assuming initial profiles to be smooth. The similarities in the behaviour of this model at the onset of black hole formation with that of numerical critical behaviour in other collapse models are indicated.

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arXiv2007

On the genericity of spacetime singularities

We consider here the genericity aspects of spacetime singularities that occur in cosmology and in gravitational collapse. The singularity theorems (that predict the occurrence of singularities in general relativity) allow the singularities of gravitational collapse to be either visible to external observers or covered by an event horizon of gravity. It is shown that the visible singularities that develop as final states of spherical collapse are generic. Some consequences of this fact are discussed.

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arXiv2006

The structure of non-spacelike curves from a spacetime singularity

We investigate here the causal structure of spacetime in the vicinity of a spacetime singularity. The particle and energy emission from such ultra-dense regions forming in gravitational collapse of a massive matter cloud is governed by the nature of non-spacelike paths near the same. These trajectories are examined to show that if a null geodesic comes out from the singularity, then there exist families of future-directed non-spacelike curves which also necessarily escape from the naked singularity. The existence of such families is crucial to the physical visibility of the singularity. We do not assume any underlying symmetries for the spacetime, and earlier considerations on the nature of causal trajectories emerging from a naked singularity are generalized and clarified.

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arXiv2006

Quantum evaporation of a naked singularity

We investigate here quantum effects in gravitational collapse of a scalar field model which classically leads to a naked singularity. We show that non-perturbative semi-classical modifications near the singularity, based on loop quantum gravity, give rise to a strong outward flux of energy. This leads to the dissolution of the collapsing cloud before the singularity can form. Quantum gravitational effects thus censor naked singularities by avoiding their formation. Further, quantum gravity induced mass flux has a distinct feature which may lead to a novel observable signature in astrophysical bursts.

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arXiv2005

A resolution of spacetime singularity and black hole paradoxes through avoidance of trapped surface formation in Einstein gravity

The occurrence of a spacetime singularity indicates the breakdown of Einstein gravitation theory in these extreme regimes. We consider here the singularity issue and various black hole paradoxes at classical and quantum levels. It is pointed out that a possible resolution to these problems could be arrived at by avoiding the formation of trapped surfaces during a continual gravitational collapse. A class of perfect fluid collapse models is constructed which realizes such a possibility. While the pressure could be negative in the interior of the cloud, the weak energy condition is satisfied. The collapsing star radiates away most of its matter as the process of gravitational collapse evolves, so as to avoid the formation of trapped surfaces and the spacetime singularity. The collapsing interior is matched to an exterior which is a generalized Vaidya spacetime to complete the model.

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