Electromagnetic blackhole violates 2nd law of thermodynamics?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of electromagnetic black holes created using metamaterials, which manipulate refractive indices to potentially violate the second law of thermodynamics. A model has been developed that demonstrates this phenomenon at specific wavelengths and in two dimensions. Participants debated the implications of these findings, particularly regarding thermal diodes and the ability of light emitted from the center to escape, raising questions about thermodynamic principles. The conversation highlights the intersection of electrodynamics and general relativity in advancing theoretical physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of metamaterials and their properties
  • Familiarity with electrodynamics and refractive index manipulation
  • Knowledge of general relativity and its applications
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics, particularly the second law
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest advancements in metamaterials and their applications
  • Explore the implications of electromagnetic black holes on thermodynamic laws
  • Study the concept of thermal diodes and their operational principles
  • Investigate the relationship between electrodynamics and general relativity in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, materials scientists, and anyone interested in advanced theoretical concepts in electromagnetism and thermodynamics.

JustinLevy
Messages
882
Reaction score
1
I'm sure most people here have heard about the microwave "invisibility cloak" that was made with metamaterials. For those that haven't heard, basically electrodynamics can be rewritten to handle changes in refractive index of materials with GR like tools where instead the background is 'curved'. I even saw a physics colloquim about this, and the guy claimed that maybe even 'blackhole' equivalents could be made.

That seemed really strange to me, as it seems to violate the second law of thermodynamics. (for now you truly have a "thermal diode" it seems). I brought this up during Q&A and it turned into a rapid discussion with many professors offering guesses. Sadly the speaker didn't seem to understand the issue, and since his talk wasn't about these 'black-holes' anyway, we moved on.

But now, apparently someone has created an actual model (granted only at a certain wavelength and in 2-D)
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=electromagnetic-black-hole

Seriously, how does this not violate the second law of thermodynamics?
Actually, now that I think of it, the 'cloaking' would still allow light emitted from the center to reach the outside ... so that too seems to allow a "thermal diode" and cause problems as well.

How is this possible?
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

Undergrad Alcubierre Warp Drive: 2nd Law of Thermodynamics Impossibility?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Derivation of Equation 26 in Bardeen's Four Laws of Black Hole Thermodynamics
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Graduate Zeroth law of black hole thermodynamics
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad An experiment against the second law of thermodynamics
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
Undergrad How Does Relativity of Simultaneity Clash w/Thermodynamics?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Chemistry Show that book levitation by absorption of heat violates 2nd law
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Undergrad Relating Entropy and the 2nd law
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Can you create a black hole from light? Also, Whiteholes vs. Blackholes
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Create Black Holes with Warping EM Fields: Feasible?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Hidden Heat Reservoirs and Violations of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K