Black hole factory: a review of double-null formalism

TL;DR

This review discusses the double-null formalism as a powerful numerical method for studying dynamic black holes and gravitational phenomena across various theories and dimensions, with broad implications for black hole physics and quantum gravity.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the applications and extensions of the double-null formalism in numerical relativity and gravitational research.

Findings

Effective for simulating dynamical black holes and horizons

Applicable across different dimensions and gravity theories

Potential for future research in quantum gravity and astrophysics

Abstract

In this review paper, we comprehensively summarize numerical applications of double-null formalism for studying dynamics within the theory of gravity. By using the double-null coordinates, we can investigate dynamical black holes and gravitational phenomena within spherical symmetry, including gravitational collapse, formation of horizons and singularities, as well as evaporations. This formalism can be extended to generic situations, where we can change dimensions, topologies, the gravity sector, as well as the matter sector. We also discuss its possible implications for black hole physics and particle astrophysics. This strong numerical tool will have lots of future applications for various research areas including general relativity, string theory, and various approaches to quantum gravity.