Non-local correlations of a test quantum field in gravitational collapse

TL;DR

This paper studies how quantum correlations evolve during gravitational collapse, revealing entangled Hawking pairs and their potential implications for black hole information paradox and quantum effects.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the evolution of quantum correlations in dynamical black hole formation, highlighting the emergence of entangled pairs across the horizon.

Findings

Correlated peaks appear across the horizon during collapse.

Outside peaks move away, indicating outgoing Hawking radiation.

Implications for black hole information and quantum atmosphere are discussed.

Abstract

Quantum correlations across the horizon could be pivotal in unveiling the puzzles surrounding quantum aspects of black holes and Hawking radiation. The peaks in the equal time correlation function are typically attributed to the entangled particle excitations. In this work, we have investigated the evolution of the correlations of a test quantum field on a dynamical background spacetime undergoing gravitational collapse. In the case of super-critical collapse, as the black hole and its horizon forms, correlated peaks are seen to appear across the horizon, representing an entangled Hawking pair. The outside peak moves away from the horizon as the system evolves, possibly representing outgoing Hawking flux. The implications of these non-local correlations are discussed in light of information paradox, quantum atmosphere and analogue black holes.