Quantum geometry and microscopic black hole entropy
9 pages, 6 figures.-- PACS nrs.: 04.60.Pp, 04.70.Dy.-- ISI Article Identifier: 000242448900013.-- Published online on Nov 28, 2006.
Loop quantum gravity and Planck-size black hole entropy
The Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) program is briefly reviewed and one of its main applications, namely the counting of black hole entropy within the framework is considered. In particular, recent results for Planck size black holes are reviewed. These results are consistent with an asymptotic linear relation (that fixes uniquely a free parameter of the theory) and a logarithmic correction with a coefficient equal to -1/2. The account is tailored as an introduction to the subject for non-experts.
Black Hole Entropy Quantization
Ever since the pioneer works of Bekenstein and Hawking, black hole entropy has been known to have a quantum origin. Furthermore, it has long been argued by Bekenstein that entropy should be quantized in discrete (equidistant) steps given its identification with horizon area in (semi-)classical general relativity and the properties of area as an adiabatic invariant. This lead to the suggestion that black hole area should also be quantized in equidistant steps to account for the discrete black hole entropy. Here we shall show that loop quantum gravity, in which area is {\it not} quantized in equidistant steps can nevertheless be consistent with Bekenstein's equidistant entropy proposal in a s…
Black hole state counting in loop quantum gravity: a number-theoretical approach
4 pages, 1 figure.-- PACS nrs.: 04.70.Dy, 04.60.Pp.-- ArXiv pre-print available at: http://arxiv.org/abs/0802.4077
Black hole state degeneracy in Loop Quantum Gravity
The combinatorial problem of counting the black hole quantum states within the Isolated Horizon framework in Loop Quantum Gravity is analyzed. A qualitative understanding of the origin of the band structure shown by the degeneracy spectrum, which is responsible for the black hole entropy quantization, is reached. Even when motivated by simple considerations, this picture allows to obtain analytical expressions for the most relevant quantities associated to this effect.