Nature abhors a horizon

TL;DR

This paper proposes that considering the wavefunctional over the entire superspace resolves the information paradox by preventing horizon formation through quantum effects at the threshold of black hole formation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective on the wavefunctional in gravity, showing how quantum effects in superspace can prevent horizon formation, addressing the information paradox.

Findings

Wavefunctional oscillates in a small superspace region during collapse.

Wavefunctional damping occurs in the vast superspace, preventing horizon formation.

Quantum effects modify classical collapse at black hole threshold.

Abstract

The information paradox can be resolved if we recognize that the wavefunctional in gravity $\Psi[g]$ should be considered on the {\it whole} of superspace, the space of possible $g$. The largeness of the Bekenstein entropy implies a vast space of gravitational solutions, which are conjectured to be fuzzball configurations. In the WKB approximation, the wavefunctional for a collapsing shell is oscillatory in a small region of superspace, and the classical approximation picks out this part. But the wavefunctional will be damped (`under the barrier') in the remainder of this vast superspace. We perform a simple computation to show that at the threshold of black hole formation, the barrier is lowered enough to make the latter part oscillatory; this alters the classical evolution and avoids horizon formation.