The formation of the first black holes

TL;DR

This paper reviews how the first black holes formed and grew in the early universe, highlighting the role of primordial stars, seed black hole masses, and galaxy evolution in their development.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of theoretical models and mechanisms behind the formation and early growth of the first black holes in the universe.

Findings

Primordial stars can seed black holes ranging from 10 to 100,000 solar masses.

Black hole growth accelerates after galaxies reach a critical mass.

Feedback processes influence initial black hole fueling.

Abstract

The most massive black holes at redshifts z = 6 were already over billion solar masses. In this chapter, we discuss the formation and growth of the first black holes in the Universe. The deaths of massive primordial stars provide potential seeds of supermassive black holes. Theoretical models predict that the seed black hole masses range from 10 to 100,000 solar masses. Their initial fueling may be limited by feedback from its progenitor star, the black hole itself, and nearby star formation. Once the halo and galaxy surpasses a critical mass, black hole growth may accelerate as the central gravitational potential deepens with strong ensuing star formation.