Way down in the hole... and up again

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of combining classical and semiclassical effects to understand black hole evolution, particularly focusing on the dynamics of the inner horizon and mass inflation phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach that integrates classical and semiclassical perturbations to analyze black hole inner horizon evolution.

Findings

Classical mass inflation can be counteracted by semiclassical effects.

Both classical and semiclassical perturbations are necessary for accurate modeling.

The study advances understanding of black hole inner horizon dynamics.

Abstract

I argue that an approach which uses an appropriate admixture of both classical and semiclassical effects is essential for understanding the ultimate fate of gravitational collapse and the nature of black holes. I provide an example of a problem which pushes the boundaries of what is known in both the classical and semiclassical approaches: the evolution of the inner horizon of a black hole. I show that solving this problem requires considering perturbations of both classical and semiclassical origin. In fact, it has been found that classical mass inflation might be counteracted by a semiclassical tendency for the inner horizon to inflate outward.