Penrose Singularity: Trapped & Anti-Trapped Surfaces Explained

In summary, trapped surfaces are 2-spheres where light rays do not move outward, and they are used in the singularity theorems to show that spacetimes with trapped surfaces also contain singularities. This applies in both the future and past directions of time, showing that black holes and the beginning of the universe must contain singularities.
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windy miller
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As I understand Penrose proved there must a be a singularity using certain assumption for black holes and something called a "trapped surface:. Can anyone give a lay person explanation of what this and "anti trapped surface" are? How were they used in the singularity theorems and what was new? Many thanks
 
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windy miller said:
Can anyone give a lay person explanation of what this and "anti trapped surface" are?

A trapped surface is a 2-sphere on which radially outgoing light rays are not moving outward; or, to put it another way, the 2-sphere formed by the set of all radially outgoing null geodesics from the trapped surface has an area that is not increasing. Normally, we expect that light rays moving radially outward from a 2-sphere will form a 2-sphere whose area is increasing; a trapped surface violates this expectation.

I have not seen the term "anti trapped surface" in the literature. However, the application of trapped surfaces in the singularity theorems works in either direction of time; see further comments below.

windy miller said:
How were they used in the singularity theorems

The singularity theorems say that if a spacetime contains a trapped surface and certain energy conditions are met (these conditions, heuristically, amount to gravity being always attractive), the same spacetime will also contain a singularity. More precisely, if a spacetime contains a trapped surface and meets certain energy conditions, the spacetime will also contain incomplete timelike or null geodesics (i.e., geodesics that cannot be extended past some finite value of their affine parameter).

When applied in the future direction of time (i.e., "outgoing" light rays are outgoing towards the future), the theorems tell us that there must be a singularity inside a black hole, since if the energy conditions are met there must be a trapped surface either at or inside the event horizon of a black hole.

When applied in the past direction of time (i.e., "outgoing" light rays are outgoing towards the past), the theorems tell us that there must be a singularity at the beginning of the universe in FRW spacetimes that satisfy the energy conditions.
 
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Thanks Peter , much appreciated
 
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You're welcome!
 

What is a Penrose Singularity?

A Penrose Singularity is a mathematical concept proposed by physicist Roger Penrose to describe the point at which the curvature of space-time becomes infinite. It is a singularity that occurs in the center of a black hole, where the laws of physics as we know them break down.

What are Trapped and Anti-Trapped Surfaces?

Trapped and Anti-Trapped Surfaces are two types of surfaces that can be found in the vicinity of a black hole. Trapped surfaces are regions where the gravitational pull of the black hole is so strong that even light cannot escape, while Anti-Trapped surfaces are regions where the gravitational pull is not strong enough to trap light.

How are Trapped and Anti-Trapped Surfaces related to Penrose Singularities?

Trapped and Anti-Trapped Surfaces play a crucial role in understanding Penrose Singularities. The existence of these surfaces helps us to identify the presence of a singularity in the center of a black hole. Trapped surfaces indicate the presence of a singularity, while Anti-Trapped surfaces suggest that the singularity may not be present.

Why is the study of Penrose Singularities important?

The study of Penrose Singularities is important because it helps us to gain a better understanding of the behavior of space and time in extreme conditions, such as those found in black holes. It also has implications for our understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and the nature of the universe.

What are some current theories and research on Penrose Singularities?

There are various theories and ongoing research on Penrose Singularities, including the development of new mathematical models and simulations to better understand the behavior of these phenomena. Some scientists are also exploring the possibility of using Penrose Singularities to travel through space and time, although this remains a highly speculative concept at this point.

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