Stationary bubbles: information loss paradox?

TL;DR

This paper constructs classically stationary bubbles that are quantum mechanically unstable, suggesting that quantum effects and instantons can address the black hole information loss paradox by allowing superpositions of geometries.

Contribution

It introduces a model of stationary bubbles within the thin-shell formalism that are unstable quantum mechanically, providing a new perspective on the information loss paradox.

Findings

Quantum instability leads to collapse or expansion of bubbles.

Superpositions of geometries can resolve information loss issues.

Semi-classical effects via instantons influence the final state.

Abstract

The main purpose of this work is to build classically stationary bubbles, within the thin-shell formalism, which are unstable under quantum effects; they either collapse into a black hole or expand. Thus, the final state can be thought of a superposition of geometries. We point out that, from a quantum mechanical point of view, there is no issue with a loss of information in such configuration. A classical observer sees a definite geometry and, hence, finds an effective loss of information. Although it does not cover all possible cases, we emphasise the role of semi-classical gravitational effects, mediated by instatons, in alleviating/solving the information loss paradox.