Can black holes split photons into elementary particles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of whether black holes can split photons into elementary particles, specifically focusing on the potential for photon interactions within the extreme conditions of a black hole. Participants explore theoretical implications, the nature of black holes, and the limitations of current physics in these contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that black holes might create conditions for a mass-energy feedback loop where colliding photons could produce W- and W+ bosons, suggesting a unique interaction within black holes.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the known laws of physics break down at the core of a black hole, questioning the feasibility of the proposed photon interaction occurring in such an environment.
  • A different viewpoint clarifies that the term "core" could refer to various interpretations, including a singularity or a dense mass of particles, and expresses a desire for a logical explanation of black hole mechanics.
  • One participant states that the photon-photon interaction to produce W bosons is theoretically possible but extremely rare, asserting that this process is not specific to black holes.
  • There is a query about whether Quantum Mechanics allows for black holes to consist of subatomic particles instead of a singularity, with a response indicating that this is not supported by known particle physics.
  • A participant introduces the concept of fuzzball string theory as a potential framework related to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of black holes and the possibility of photon interactions within them. There is no consensus on the validity of the initial proposal regarding photon splitting, and multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in current theoretical frameworks, particularly regarding the behavior of matter and energy at the singularity of black holes, and the assumptions underlying the proposed interactions.

stoomart
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Hello all,

Is this a thing? I understand that a theory of quantum gravity is necessary to explain the physics at the core of a black hole, but it seems a black hole is the only environment energetic and dense enough to ignite a mass-energy feedback loop where colliding photons release the heavyweight W- and W+ bosons, which instantly annihilate and release their energy, thereby maintaining equilibrium minus Hawking radiation.

Sorry if this falls into the "new idea/personal theories" category, I just haven't had much luck finding information of photon fission besides this LHC article: http://cms.web.cern.ch/news/lhc-photon-collider
 
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The known laws of physics break down at the "core of a black hole" ... by which I'm guessing you mean the interior singularity.
You have to do known physics outside the event horizon (r>M for a non-rotating, neutrally charged, black hole).

You want to know if such an odd state could exist in some stage of a collapsing star? ... if a black hole forms before the critical conditions are met, then the answer is "probably not" - this is not a thing that happens in stars.
 
By core, I'm referring to the physical object inside the event horizon, whether that is a singularity or simply a dense orb of elementary particles, similar a gas star being a dense orb of atomic particles, and a neutron star being a dense orb of subatomic particles. Sorry I don't have a grasp on the mathematics yet, so I will start working on that. At this time, I'm mostly looking for a logical explanation to understand the mechanics inside a black hole. Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
What?

Photon+Photon -> W+ W- is an allowed reaction everywhere if the center-of-mass energy is large enough. It is an incredibly rare process, however. This has nothing to do with black holes. Even inside, space locally looks like it does outside. And our current theories don't work at the singularity (if there is one) anyway.
stoomart said:
and dense enough to ignite a mass-energy feedback loop where colliding photons release the heavyweight W- and W+ bosons, which instantly annihilate and release their energy, thereby maintaining equilibrium minus Hawking radiation.
That does not make sense at all.
 
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Thanks mfb, I added crackpot to this post's tag list. : )
 
mfb said:
Even inside, space locally looks like it does outside. And our current theories don't work at the singularity (if there is one) anyway.
Does Quantum Mechanics allow black holes to consist of a mass of subatomic particles instead of a singularity? Was this ever an acceped or proposed theory?
 
stoomart said:
Does Quantum Mechanics allow black holes to consist of a mass of subatomic particles instead of a singularity? Was this ever an acceped or proposed theory?
Certainly not with the particles we know.
 

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