Probing Quantum Geometry at LHC

TL;DR

This paper argues that quantum geometry leads to quantized black hole horizons, predicting discrete black hole states at LHC energies, which could impact black hole decay and dark matter models.

Contribution

It introduces a model where black hole horizons are quantized in Planck units, affecting their decay process and potential role as dark matter candidates.

Findings

Black hole horizons are quantized in Planck units.

Black holes at LHC would form a discrete spectrum of states.

Remnants of black holes could serve as dark matter candidates.

Abstract

We present an evidence, that the volumes of compactified spaces as well as the areas of black hole horizons must be quantized in Planck units. This quantization has phenomenological consequences, most dramatic being for micro black holes in the theories with TeV scale gravity that can be produced at LHC. We predict that black holes come in form of a discrete tower with well defined spacing. Instead of thermal evaporation, they decay through the sequence of spontaneous particle emissions, with each transition reducing the horizon area by strictly integer number of Planck units. Quantization of the horizons can be a crucial missing link by which the notion of the minimal length in gravity eliminates physical singularities. In case when the remnants of the black holes with the minimal possible area and mass of order few TeV are stable, they might be good candidates for the cold dark matter in the Universe.