Understanding quantum disorder inside black holes: Bridging the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity

This 12-month project, supported by The Royal Society, aims to explore the quantum properties of BHs and their microscopic details, contributing to a deeper understanding of these objects.

jet of energy shooting from the vicinity of black holes
Credit: G. Pérez Díaz (IAC)

Black holes (BHs) are located at the intersection of gravity and quantum mechanics, making them one of the most important areas of study of modern high-energy physics. This 12-month project, supported by The Royal Society, aims to explore the quantum properties of BHs and their microscopic details, contributing to a deeper understanding of these objects.

The project is led by Dr. Marco Fazzi from the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and Prof. Sara Pasquetti from the Department of Physics of the University of Milan-Bicocca. The teams bring complementary expertise in mathematical physics, quantum field theory, and string theory. They will work together with PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to combine theoretical insights with analytical computational methods, supporting knowledge exchange, problem-solving, and skills development. The collaboration will also provide training for early-career researchers and help establish international research networks.

The main focus of the project is investigating the Bekenstein-Hawking formula, which connects the entropy of a black hole to the area of its event horizon. While this relationship is established, the quantum-level explanation for this entropy remains unknown. The project will use advanced theoretical tools, such as supersymmetric partition functions and the AdS/CFT correspondence, or holographic duality, to explore the microscopic degrees of freedom that contribute to black hole entropy.

Understanding the quantum nature of BHs is crucial for uniting quantum mechanics with general relativity, the two pillars of modern physics. This project will advance fundamental science, strengthen international collaborations, support early-career researchers, and promote further research in high-energy theoretical physics.

“This project represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between the UK’s rich tradition in black hole physics and Italy’s leading research centers, including Milan, Milan-Bicocca, Turin, Padua, and Trieste. These institutions have been at the forefront of studying supersymmetric black holes using exact results from supersymmetric partition functions, with many securing important national and European grants. By fostering research bridges between Sheffield and these Italian hubs, we aim to tap into this immense potential, combining our expertise to deepen our understanding of quantum black holes, while simultaneously strengthening international collaborations and supporting the next generation of researchers.”

Dr Marco Fazzi

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