Quantum evaporation of a naked singularity

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that quantum gravitational effects can prevent the formation of naked singularities during gravitational collapse, leading to observable astrophysical signatures.

Contribution

It introduces a non-perturbative semi-classical approach based on loop quantum gravity to show how quantum effects censor naked singularities.

Findings

Quantum effects cause outward energy flux during collapse.

Collapse is halted before singularity formation.

Potential observable signatures in astrophysical phenomena.

Abstract

We investigate here quantum effects in gravitational collapse of a scalar field model which classically leads to a naked singularity. We show that non-perturbative semi-classical modifications near the singularity, based on loop quantum gravity, give rise to a strong outward flux of energy. This leads to the dissolution of the collapsing cloud before the singularity can form. Quantum gravitational effects thus censor naked singularities by avoiding their formation. Further, quantum gravity induced mass flux has a distinct feature which may lead to a novel observable signature in astrophysical bursts.