The exploration of black holes has fascinated scientists for decades. These mysterious celestial objects, so dense that even light cannot escape, have long kept their secrets. However, a team of researchers led by Enrico Rinaldi, an American physicist from the University of Michigan, has just achieved a major breakthrough in our understanding of these cosmic phenomena.
A new approach to unraveling the mysteries of black holes
The scientists used an innovative combination of quantum calculation andmachine learning to decode the mathematical description of the quantum state of the matrix model. This innovative approach is based on the holographic principlewhich postulates the equivalence between the fundamental theories of particles and gravity.
The difficulty lies in the fact that these theories are constructed in different dimensions. While gravity operates in three dimensions within the geometry of a black hole, particle physics manifests itself on its surface in two dimensions, like a holographic projection.
This holographic duality could provide a coherent quantum explanation of gravity, a persistent challenge in physics for decades. As Enrico Rinaldi explains:
In Einstein's theory of General Relativity, there are no particles, only space-time. In the Standard Model of particle physics, there are no gravitational forces, only particles.
Quantum matrix models: a key to understanding the interior of black holes
The study published in the journal PRX Quantum focuses on determining thelowest energy state quantum matrix models. These complex mathematical problems can help probe the nature of holographic duality.
The researchers used two relatively simple matrix models, but which have all the characteristics of the more complex models used to describe black holes. Rinaldi hopes that “by understanding the properties of this particle theory through numerical experiments, we will understand something about gravity.”
To solve these models, the team used quantum circuits and to neural networks. These tools make it possible to represent and manipulate quantum information efficiently, thus opening new perspectives for the study of extreme gravitational phenomena.
The major components of a black hole
To better understand the importance of these discoveries, it is vital to know the main elements that make up a black hole:
- The singularity : central point where gravity is infinite
- The event horizon : boundary beyond which nothing can escape
- The photon sphere : region where light can orbit the black hole
- The accretion disk : ring of matter rotating around the black hole
- The ergosphere : area where space-time is driven by the rotation of the black hole
These elements interact in complex ways, creating exciting phenomena such as Doppler beam or the powerful jets of charged particles. Understanding these interactions is fundamental to unlocking the secrets of black holes.
| Component | Main feature |
|---|---|
| Singularity | Infinite Gravity |
| Event Horizon | Point of no return |
| Accretion disk | Radiation source |
These advances in the study of black holes open up new perspectives for understanding the universe. Just as the James Webb Telescope observes an ancient supernova replay three times, this research allows us to delve ever deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos.
Towards a quantum theory of gravity
The results obtained by Rinaldi and his team constitute a crucial step towards the development of a quantum theory of gravity. By deciphering the internal structure of black holes, scientists hope to solve one of the greatest puzzles of modern physics: reconciling the theory of general relativity and quantum mechanics.
This quest to unify our understanding of the infinitely large and the infinitely small could have considerable repercussions on our perception of the universe. It might even lead us to reconsider fundamental concepts such as space, time and matter.
THE extreme magnetic fields generated by black holes play a crucial role in these phenomena. For comparison, China creates a magnetic field 800,000 times stronger than Earth's, but this is still far short of the colossal forces at work in these cosmic objects.
As researchers continue to refine their models and techniques, the future looks bright for our understanding of the universe. Black holes, once thought to be impenetrable entities, are finally beginning to reveal their deepest secrets, ushering in a new era of cosmic exploration and groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
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