Nonlocality vs. complementarity: a conservative approach to the information problem

TL;DR

This paper proposes that modest nonlocality, rather than extreme complementarity, can resolve the black hole information paradox without conflicting with local quantum field theory, offering a new perspective on quantum gravity.

Contribution

It introduces a conservative nonlocality approach to the black hole information problem, challenging the necessity of complementarity and addressing potential issues of causality.

Findings

Nonlocality can resolve the information paradox without acausality.

Information retention time distinguishes different nonlocality scenarios.

Modest nonlocality aligns with empirical local quantum field theory observations.

Abstract

A proposal for resolution of the information paradox is that "nice slice" states, which have been viewed as providing a sharp argument for information loss, do not in fact do so as they do not give a fully accurate description of the quantum state of a black hole. This however leaves an information *problem*, which is to provide a consistent description of how information escapes when a black hole evaporates. While a rather extreme form of nonlocality has been advocated in the form of complementarity, this paper argues that is not necessary, and more modest nonlocality could solve the information problem. One possible distinguishing characteristic of scenarios is the information retention time. The question of whether such nonlocality implies acausality, and particularly inconsistency, is briefly addressed. The need for such nonlocality, and its apparent tension with our empirical observations of local quantum field theory, may be a critical missing piece in understanding the principles of quantum gravity.