On quasi-normal modes, area quantization and Bohr correspondence principle

TL;DR

This paper defends the connection between black hole quasi-normal modes and quantum area spectrum, proposing a Bohr-like model that links QNMs to quantum levels, with implications for the black hole information paradox.

Contribution

It clarifies the validity of the QNM-area spectrum relation by addressing criticisms and supports a Bohr-like quantum black hole model based on recent improvements.

Findings

QNMs can be interpreted as quantum levels of black holes

The model supports a Bohr-like quantization of black hole area

Implications for resolving the black hole information paradox

Abstract

In Int. Journ. Mod. Phys. D 14, 181 (2005), the author Khriplovich verbatim claims that "the correspondence principle does not dictate any relation between the asymptotics of quasinormal modes and the spectrum of quantized black holes" and that "this belief is in conflict with simple physical arguments". In this paper we analyze Khriplovich's criticisms and realize that they work only for the original proposal by Hod, while they do not work for the improvements suggested by Maggiore and recently finalized by the author and collaborators through a connection between Hawking radiation and black hole (BH) quasi-normal modes (QNMs). This is a model of quantum BH somewhat similar to the historical semi-classical model of the structure of a hydrogen atom introduced by Bohr in 1913. Thus, QNMs can be really interpreted as BH quantum levels (the "electrons" of the "Bohr-like BH model"). Our results have also important implications on the BH information puzzle.