Way down in the hole... and up again

Abstract

I argue that an approach which uses an appropriate admixture of both classical and semiclassical effects is essential for understanding the ultimate fate of gravitational collapse and the nature of black holes. I provide an example of a problem which pushes the boundaries of what is known in both the classical and semiclassical approaches: the evolution of the inner horizon of a black hole. I show that solving this problem requires considering perturbations of both classical and semiclassical origin. In fact, it has been found that classical mass inflation might be counteracted by a semiclassical tendency for the inner horizon to inflate outward.

arXiv comment16 pages, 2 figures; Essay received Honorable Mention at the Gravity Research Foundation 2022 Awards for Essays on Gravitation

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