Synthetic Black Hole Event Horizon Created in UK Laboratory

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SUMMARY

Researchers at St. Andrews University, Scotland, have successfully simulated an event horizon of a black hole in a laboratory setting using lasers and optical fiber. This groundbreaking experiment leverages quantum mechanics to create a "singularity" that alters a laser's wavelength, mimicking the effects of an event horizon. If validated, this experiment could enable the testing of Hawking Radiation, potentially positioning Stephen Hawking for a Nobel Prize. The findings were detailed in a paper published in Nature and are also available on arXiv.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with laser technology and optical fibers
  • Knowledge of black hole physics and event horizons
  • Awareness of Hawking Radiation theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of quantum mechanics in relation to black holes
  • Explore the applications of lasers in experimental physics
  • Study the theoretical implications of Hawking Radiation
  • Review the paper "Observation of self-amplifying Hawking radiation in an analog black hole laser" on arXiv
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in quantum mechanics, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the experimental simulation of black hole phenomena.

SF
Researchers at St. Andrews University, Scotland, claim to have found a way to simulate an event horizon of a black hole - not through a new cosmic observation technique, and not by a high powered supercomputer… but in the laboratory. Using lasers, a length of optical fiber and depending on some bizarre quantum mechanics, a "singularity" may be created to alter a laser's wavelength, synthesizing the effects of an event horizon. If this experiment can produce an event horizon, the theoretical phenomenon of Hawking Radiation may be tested, perhaps giving Stephen Hawking the best chance yet of winning the Nobel Prize.

http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/13/synthetic-black-hole-event-horizon-created-in-uk-laboratory/
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
SF said:
Researchers at St. Andrews University, Scotland, claim to have found a way to simulate an event horizon of a black hole - not through a new cosmic observation technique, and not by a high powered supercomputer… but in the laboratory. Using lasers, a length of optical fiber and depending on some bizarre quantum mechanics, a "singularity" may be created to alter a laser's wavelength, synthesizing the effects of an event horizon. If this experiment can produce an event horizon, the theoretical phenomenon of Hawking Radiation may be tested, perhaps giving Stephen Hawking the best chance yet of winning the Nobel Prize.

http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/13/synthetic-black-hole-event-horizon-created-in-uk-laboratory/
Just came across this item, http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37088877
 
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See http://arxiv.org/abs/1409.6550, Observation of self-amplifying Hawking radiation in an analog black hole laser for the arxiv version of the paper that appeared in Nature
 
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