arXiv subjects

Ulf Danielsson

Publications and source records attributed to Ulf Danielsson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Quantum nucleation of black hole mimickers via chaos dominated tunneling

Black hole mimickers, ultracompact horizonless objects, have been proposed as alternatives to black holes in a variety of settings, including extensions of general relativity and scenarios involving matter sectors beyond the Standard Model. Their formation in gravitational collapse of matter requires quantum mechanical tunneling to occur on a length scale of the order of the Schwarzschild radius of the corresponding black hole. We propose a mechanism, based on multichannel enhancement catalyzed by quantum chaotic dynamics, that can dramatically amplify the quantum mechanical transmission across a tunneling barrier. We explore, in particular, how the nucleation of a string theoretic black shell is enhanced via this mechanism. We anticipate similar results to hold for other proposed black hole mimickers.

hep-th↗

arXiv2026

Dark bubbles, dark dimensions and fat gravitons

The dark bubble model explains the existence of a positive cosmological constant by making explicit use of the instabilities underlying the de Sitter swampland conjectures to make the accelerated expansion of the universe inevitable. A distinctive consequence of the construction is a unique hierarchy connecting cosmological, gravitational, string, and higher-dimensional scales. In particular, the model naturally predicts the existence of a dark dimension of micron size, an idea that has been argued for on independent grounds in the literature. The same framework also predicts a weakening of gravity at distances of order the dark-dimension scale, leading to a fading of the gravitational force at micron distances. We argue that the dark bubble therefore provides a concrete realization of both the dark dimension proposal and Sundrum's fat graviton scenario, in which gravity effectively ceases to probe shorter distances. Additional predictions include a string scale of order tens of TeV and a measurable positive spatial curvature of the universe. We review these key aspects of the model, discuss their implications for gravity and cosmology, and highlight its key predictions.

hep-th↗

arXiv2026

Self-gravitating electromagnetic waves in the dark bubble model

We construct embeddings of gravitational and electromagnetic waves in the dark bubble scenario using pp-wave geometries in AdS5, motivated by the fact that pp-wave spacetimes often provide exact solutions to the equations of motion. The setup is realised by gluing two AdS5 pp-wave spacetimes across a three-brane. As an application, we analyse localised beams of light and their gravitational backreaction. Imposing suitable mixed boundary conditions in AdS5, we find gravitational corrections consistent with a weakening of 4d gravity at the 5d AdS scale.

hep-th↗

arXiv2026

Testing varying coupling constants through multi-Higgs production at the LHC

We propose the One Scalar Theory (1ST), a minimalist framework where a single real singlet scalar field mediates the dynamical generation of the Higgs self-coupling and the top Yukawa coupling. Unlike generic portal models, the 1ST removes parametric freedom by locking production and decay modes to a single fundamental scale $\Lambda_0$, rendering the framework highly predictive with unique experimental signals. We demonstrate that the collider phenomenology is partitioned by the $2m_t$ kinematic threshold into di-Higgs and di-top resonance regimes. By recasting current ATLAS data, we set lower bounds on $\Lambda_0$ at the TeV scale and show that the High-Luminosity LHC will probe this scale up to $4$ TeV, providing a definitive test for the dynamical origin of the electroweak sector.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Weak gravity at micron scales from dark bubble cosmology and its cosmological consequences

The dark bubble model makes a positive cosmological constant natural in string theory, and predicts several new physical phenomena within reach in the near future. In this paper we study the experimental consequences of the model for the strength of gravity at scales of order $10^{-5}$m. Contrary to other models of gravity involving extra dimensions, the dark bubble model predicts gravity to become weaker rather than stronger at small scales, compared to Newtonian gravity. In particular, we provide explicit predictions of measurable deviations using table top experiments. We also show how the same effect reduces the effective force of gravity at high energy densities in cosmology, leading to a period of early inflation without the need for anything beyond radiation. We also discuss the quantum origin of the universe with a 5D black hole acting as a catalyst for the nucleation of the dark bubble and how it accounts for the present matter content in the universe. This leads to a prediction of $\Omega_c \approx 5\times 10^{-4}$ for a positive curvature of the universe, suggesting an explanation of the why-now-problem of the cosmological constant. We end by speculating on how to incorporate AdS black shells as black hole mimickers within the dark bubble model.

hep-th↗

arXiv2025

Black Shell Thermodynamics

Black shells have been proposed as black hole mimickers, i.e. horizonless ultra-compact objects that replace black holes. In this paper, we assume the existence of black shells and consider their thermodynamic properties, but remain agnostic about their wider role in gravitational physics. An ambient negative cosmological constant is introduced in order to have a well-defined canonical ensemble, leading to a rich phase structure. In particular, the Hawking-Page transition between thermal AdS vacuum and large AdS black holes is split in two, with an intermediate black shell phase, which may play a role in gauge/gravity duality at finite volume. Similarly, for non-vanishing electric charge below a critical value, a black shell phase separates two black hole phases at low and high temperatures. Above the critical charge, there are no phase transitions and large AdS black holes always have the lowest free energy.

hep-th↗

arXiv2025

Black hole mimickers: from theory to observation

The black hole paradigm, while remarkably successful, raises fundamental questions-both classical and quantum-about the nature of spacetime, horizons, and singularities. Black hole mimickers, horizonless ultra-compact objects, have emerged as potential alternatives that seek to resolve some of these puzzles while remaining consistent with current observational constraints. Recent breakthroughs in gravitational-wave astronomy and horizon-scale electromagnetic imaging have opened new avenues to test this paradigm-making this an opportune moment to systematically investigate such alternatives. This vision document presents a snapshot of the field as discussed at the Black Hole Mimickers: From Theory to Observation workshop, where experts from gravitational wave astronomy, very long baseline interferometry, numerical and mathematical relativity, and high-energy physics converged to assess the current frontiers. By highlighting key open questions and proposing concrete pathways forward, this document aims to guide future efforts to probe the nature of compact objects. As the field stands at the crossroads of theoretical innovation and observational breakthroughs, we outline strategies to harness upcoming observational capabilities to fundamentally test the black hole paradigm.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Charged Nariai black holes on the dark bubble

In this paper, we realise the charged Nariai black hole on a braneworld from a nucleated bubble in AdS$_5$, known as the dark bubble model. Geometrically, the black hole takes the form of a cylindrical spacetime pulling on the dark bubble. This is realised by a brane embedding in an AdS$_5$ black string background. Identifying the brane with a D3-brane in string theory allows us to determine a relation between the fine structure constant and the string coupling, $\alpha_\text{EM} = \frac{3}{2} g_s$, which was previously obtained for a microscopic black hole. We also speculate on the consequences for the Festina Lente bound and neutrino masses.

hep-th↗

arXiv2024

Exploring Black Hole Mimickers: Electromagnetic and Gravitational Signatures of AdS Black Shells

We study electromagnetic and gravitational properties of AdS black shells (also referred to as AdS black bubbles) -- a class of quantum gravity motivated black hole mimickers, that in the classical limit are described as ultra compact shells of matter. We find that their electromagnetic properties are remarkably similar to black holes. We then discuss the extent to which these objects are distinguishable from black holes, both for intrinsic interest within the black shell model, and as a guide for similar efforts in other sub-classes of exotic compact objects (ECOs). We study photon rings and lensing band characteristics, relevant for very large baseline inteferometry (VLBI) observations, as well as gravitational wave observables -- quasinormal modes in the eikonal limit and the static tidal Love number for non-spinning shells -- relevant for ongoing and upcoming gravitational wave observations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2023

The dark bubbleography

We present the holographic construction of the dark bubble model of dark energy and highlight the pivotal role played by the non-normalizable modes. Following the route of holographic renormalization, we show that the non-normalizable modes are essential for having a vanishing mass for the induced graviton in any braneworld model. We then apply this idea in the computation of the propagator on the wall of the dark bubble introduced in 1807.01570.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Experimental tests of dark bubble cosmology

In this paper we use $\alpha'^2$-corrections to the $D_{3}$-brane action to obtain a non-zero and positive cosmological constant in the induced cosmology living on the dark bubble. Its measured value, together with the value of the fine structure constant, correspond to a dark dimension of size $5 \times 10^{-5}$ m and a string scale at $11$ TeV. We conclude that the dark bubble model predicts deviations of Newtonian gravity and stringy excitations of known particles within reach of future experiments.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Shedding light on dark bubble cosmology

Dark bubble cosmology is an alternative paradigm to compactification, which can circumvent issues of moduli stabilization and scale separation. In this paper we investigate how electromagnetic fields can be incorporated in this framework. Worldvolume fields backreact on the ambient universe in which the bubble expands, which in turn affects the energy-momentum distribution and the effective gravity induced on the brane. We compute these effects, showing that the resulting four-dimensional cosmology consistently includes electromagnetic waves.

hep-th↗

arXiv2023

Horizonless black hole mimickers with spin

In this paper, we study rotating horizon less black shells as an alternative to Kerr black holes. We make use of Ernst's potential to solve the Einstein equations perturbatively in the angular momentum $a$. Calculating to order $a^6$, we find accurate predictions up to about $a=0.45$, where the quadrupole moment is predicted to be around $1\%$ higher than its Kerr value; higher multipole moments show deviation of the order of $\sim 10\%$. Our analysis takes into account deformations of the black shells, and we propose that it can be used for numerical simulations comparing gravitational waves emitted by orbiting black shells with those emitted by orbiting black holes. In our analysis, we make extensive use of relativistic hydrodynamics, and discover an intricate structure of circulating flows of fluid and heat on the black shell, sustained by the Unruh effect.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

Features of a dark energy model in string theory

In this paper we clear up misconceptions concerning the dark bubble model as a realization of dark energy in string theory. In particular we point out important differences with Randall-Sundrum, and explain why gravity neither is, nor need to be, localized on the dark bubble.

hep-th↗

arXiv2022

A stringy realization of a small and positive cosmological constant in dark bubble cosmology

In this paper we construct a stringy embedding of the dark bubble model of an expanding 4D cosmology with the help of branes rotating in extra dimensions. The universe rides a bubble which has nucleated in an unstable higher dimensional background. Our construction is therefore a string theoretical realization of Vilenkin's quantum cosmology. While the cosmological constant vanishes at lowest order, loop corrections predicted by the Weak Gravity Conjecture can induce a phenomenologically viable value. The model predicts the existence of large extra dimensions compatible with observational constraints, and we note a possible connection with the dark dimension proposal.

hep-th↗

arXiv2022

Over-extremal brane shells from string theory?

We demonstrate that, if the usual phenomenological compactifications of IIB string theory with warped throats and anti-branes make sense, there must exist spherical brane shells in 4d that are overcharged. They correspond to classical over-extremal objects but without the usual naked singularities. The objects are made from D3-particles that puff into spherical 5-branes that stabilise at finite radii in 4d and whose inside corresponds to the supersymmetric AdS vacuum. One can think of these shells as stabilised Brown-Teitelboim bubbles. We find that these objects can be significantly larger than the string scale depending on the details of the warped compactification.

hep-th↗

arXiv2022

Gravitational waves in dark bubble cosmology

In this paper we construct the 5D uplift of 4D gravitational waves in de Sitter cosmology for the brane world scenario based on a nucleated bubble in AdS5. This makes it possible to generalize the connection between the dark bubbles and Vilenkin's quantum cosmology to include gravitational perturbations. We also use the uplift to explain the interpretation of the apparently negative energy contributions in the 4D Einstein equations, which distinguish the dark bubble scenario from Randall-Sundrum.

hep-th↗

arXiv2021

Re-examining the stability of rotating horizonless black shells mimicking Kerr black holes

In arXiv:1705.10172 a string theory inspired alternative to gravitational collapse was proposed, consisting of a bubble of AdS space made up of ingredients from string theory. These ultra compact objects are $9/8$ times the size of the corresponding Schwarzschild black hole, but being within the photosphere are almost indistinguishable from them. Slowly rotating counterparts of these black shells were constructed in arXiv:1712.00511, which closely mimic a Kerr black hole, but have a quadrupole moment that differs from Kerr. Recently, arXiv:2109.09814 studied the dynamical stability of the stationary black shells against radial perturbations and accretion of matter, and examined a two parameter family of fluxes required for stability. In this paper, we re-examine the rotating black shells with particular attention to the constraints imposed by this dynamical analysis for non-rotating shells. Extrapolating these results to rotating shells, we find that they can indeed support themselves at a critical point in the gravitational potential. Additionally, requiring that they settle back to their new Buchdahl radius after accreting matter, uniquely fixes the fluxes required for dynamical stability. The flux parameters turn out to have an extremely simple form, and fulfil one of the constraints for perturbative radial stability while exactly saturating the other. The preferred quadrupole moment that we find, given some physical assumptions, is 7% less than Kerr.

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