On Black Hole Area Quantization and Echoes

Abstract

In this work we argue that black hole area quantization of Bekenstein and Mukhanov should not give rise to measurable effects in terms of so-called gravitational wave echoes during black hole mergers. We outline that the quantum spectrum of a black hole should be washed out during and after black hole mergers, and hence one should not expect echoes in this scenario. The extreme broadening of the spectrum is due to the large particle emission rate during ringdown. Our results question key assumptions being made in recent literature on this topic.

12 pages, accepted for publication in classical and quantum gravity

References in corpus (8)

• GW170817: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Neutron Star Inspiral
• Echoes of ECOs: gravitational-wave signatures of exotic compact objects and of quantum corrections at the horizon scale
• Tests for the existence of horizons through gravitational wave echoes
• The physical interpretation of the spectrum of black hole quasinormal modes
• Spectroscopy of binary black hole ringdown using overtones and angular modes
• Comments on: "Echoes from the abyss: Evidence for Planck-scale structure at black hole horizons"
• Spectral Lines of Quantized, Spinning Black Holes and their Astrophysical Relevance
• Signature of Non-uniform Area Quantization on Black Hole Echoes