Samir Mathur (OSU)

The story of the black hole information paradox

In 1974 Hawking argued that quantum mechanics becomes inconsistent in a theory that allows black holes to form. This paradox has caused physicists to question the most basic ideas of space, time, gravity and quantum theory. The story has had many twists and turns, with some claims at a resolution that later turned out to be wrong. In recent years string theory has supplied a resolution: quantum gravity effects operate on macroscopic scales and alter the structure of the hole to a 'fuzzball'. In this talk we will explain the paradox, outline some attempts that were tried, and explain the physics that leads to fuzzballs.

Nov 7 at 4pm in Braunstein 301