Can a particle detector cross a Cauchy horizon?

Abstract

Cauchy horizons are well known to exhibit instabilities in classical spacetime dynamics and singularities in quantum field theory. We analyse the response of an Unruh-DeWitt particle detector that falls towards a Cauchy horizon, in terms of the specifics of the horizon, the choice of the quantum state and the specifics of the detector's trajectory. As a prototype, we study in detail the case for the $1+1$ Reissner-Nordström black hole with a scalar field in the Hartle-Hawking state. Comparisons are made with the response of a detector that falls into a Schwarzschild-like singularity.

arXiv comment11 pages, 1 figure. Proceedings of the VII Black Holes Workshop. To appear in the International Journal of Modern Physics D. v2: Corrected typos. Conclusions expanded

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• Are inertial vacua equivalent in Lorentz-violating theories? Does it matter?
• Quantum kicks near a Cauchy horizon