A little excitement across the horizon
Keith K. Ng, Chen Zhang, Jorma Louko, Robert B. Mann
Abstract
Abstract We analyse numerically the transitions in an Unruh-DeWitt detector, coupled linearly to a massless scalar field, in radial infall in (3 + 1)-dimensional Schwarzschild spacetime. In the Hartle–Hawking and Unruh states, the transition probability attains a small local extremum near the horizon-crossing and is then moderately enhanced on approaching the singularity. In the Boulware state, the transition probability drops on approaching the horizon. The unexpected near-horizon extremum arises numerically from angular momentum superpositions, with a deeper physical explanation to be found.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsUnruh effectHorizonMassless particleScalar fieldScalar (mathematics)Schwarzschild radiusAngular momentumClassical mechanicsMathematical physicsSingularitySpacetimeQuantum electrodynamicsQuantum mechanicsQuantumMathematical analysisGeometryAstronomyMathematicsQuantum Electrodynamics and Casimir EffectCosmology and Gravitation TheoriesBlack Holes and Theoretical Physics