NEW TALK SCHEDULED - Princeton University Gravity Initiative Seminar

Abstract: When a compact object collapses to form a black hole, quantum field theory predicts the emission of an energy outflux to future null infinity, which later relaxes to Hawking radiation. Within the semiclassical framework, we derive a simple, closed form, analytical expression for the energy outflux emitted from a spherical thin null shell collapsing to form a black hole. In particular, this energy outflux vanishes (quadratically in r-2M) as the shell approaches the horizon. This result refutes claims that the Hawking energy outflux originates from the collapsing body, showing instead that it develops in a broad strong-field region. Additionally, this vanishing implies that semiclassical backreaction cannot prevent or significantly affect the classical process of gravitational collapse and horizon formation (as sometimes claimed).