Can Microscopic Black Holes Be Used to Safely Emit Light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using microscopic black holes to emit light safely, particularly focusing on the potential for visible light emission without accompanying high-frequency radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays. The conversation touches on theoretical aspects of black hole creation, Hawking radiation, and safety concerns related to radiation exposure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that it might be possible to create microscopic black holes that emit visible light harmlessly, but question whether high-frequency radiation would also be produced.
  • One participant inquires about the method for "spontaneously" creating micro black holes, highlighting the challenges of such a process.
  • Another participant suggests that while particles can converge to form a black hole, the likelihood of this happening randomly is low, and questions the characteristics of Hawking radiation for bystanders.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety of using mini black holes, with one participant suggesting that some form of protection could be employed.
  • A claim is made that mini black holes cannot exist due to certain principles, although the details are not recalled by the participant.
  • One participant asserts that Hawking radiation is minimal and infrequent, suggesting that living on Earth exposes individuals to more radiation than would be emitted by a micro black hole.
  • Another participant discusses the nature of Hawking radiation, explaining that it has a black body spectrum and that a black hole's temperature increases as it evaporates, leading to a mix of visible light and higher frequency radiation over time.
  • There is a suggestion that black hole lamps could be safely disposed of before they emit significant X-rays as they burn out.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the possibility and safety of using microscopic black holes for light emission, with no consensus reached on the feasibility of their existence or the nature of the radiation emitted.

Contextual Notes

Discussions include assumptions about the creation of black holes and the characteristics of Hawking radiation, which remain unresolved. The conversation also reflects varying levels of understanding regarding the principles governing black hole physics.

Mark Barek
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Wow! Thanks to all for this great resource.

Would it be possible to cast light harmlessly by spontaneously creating microscopic black holes of small enough mass? Or would you necessarily get high-frequency X and gamma radiation along with visible light?
 
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How would you go about "spontaneously" creating micro black holes?
 
Nothing stops a bunch of particles/energy from converging to form a black hole afaik.
They're just much more likely to fly off in random directions.
But completely ignoring the improbability of such a random convergence, what would the characteristics of Hawking radiation be like for a bystander?
I think you'd end up being irradiated, but maybe not. . . .
 
The Wikipedia article is juust right.
 
Can't whatever magic you are using to create these mini-black holes protect people?
 
Mini black holes can't exist (in reality) through some principle or another. Don't quite remember the details.

Anyway, Hawking radiation is so minute and infrequent that just living on Earth is much more irradiating.
 
You would necessarily get x-rays, sure.
I understand that Hawking radiation has black body spectrum. Except that it gets hotter as it burns out. So a black hole that casts mostly visible light will also produce a small amount of ultraviolet in the Wien tail. As it burns out, its temperature rises, so by the time it gives off mostly x-rays, it still has the Rayleigh tail in visual remaining. Only by that time its total power is high and remaining mass to burn is low, thus the total x-ray and gamma output in the end is small compared to total visual and IR and near UV output over long time in the beginning.

You could plan to dump your black hole lamps to somewhere safe by the time they are burning out and giving off x-rays.
What is the power and duration of a black hole emitting visible Hawking radiation?
 
Mark Barek said:
Wow! Thanks to all for this great resource.

Would it be possible to cast light harmlessly by spontaneously creating microscopic black holes of small enough mass? Or would you necessarily get high-frequency X and gamma radiation along with visible light?
If you are asking about a story you are writing, you posted in the wrong forum. This forum is for
Discussion on science fiction and fantasy topics. SciFi and fantasy movies, TV, books, comics, art, games and culture!

If you are writing a story, this thread does not meet the rules for posting in the writing section.
 

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