Quantum Non-Gravity and Stellar Collapse

TL;DR

This paper proposes a dual-scale model of quantum gravity, suggesting that gravity may weaken or switch off at high energies, which could alter the expected outcomes of stellar collapse and black hole formation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interpretation of two distinct energy scales in quantum gravity and explores their implications for stellar collapse and black hole physics.

Findings

Gravity may be effectively switched off above the scale $E_B$

A new scenario for stellar collapse without traditional black holes

Potential for alternative final states in gravitational collapse

Abstract

Observational indications combined with analyses of analogue and emergent gravity in condensed matter systems support the possibility that there might be two distinct energy scales related to quantum gravity: the scale that sets the onset of quantum gravitational effects $E_B$ (related to the Planck scale) and the much higher scale $E_L$ signalling the breaking of Lorentz symmetry. We suggest a natural interpretation for these two scales: $E_L$ is the energy scale below which a special relativistic spacetime emerges, $E_B$ is the scale below which this spacetime geometry becomes curved. This implies that the first `quantum' gravitational effect around $E_B$ could simply be that gravity is progressively switched off, leaving an effective Minkowski quantum field theory up to much higher energies of the order of $E_L$. This scenario may have important consequences for gravitational collapse, inasmuch as it opens up new possibilities for the final state of stellar collapse other than an evaporating black hole.