Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1604.06537 · Physical review. D/Physical review. D.

Relativistic collapse dynamics and black hole information loss

Daniel Bedingham, Sujoy K. Modak, Daniel Sudarsky

Published Aug 12, 2016• 28 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We study a proposal for the resolution of the black hole information puzzle within the context of modified versions of quantum theory involving spontaneous reduction of the quantum state. The theories of this kind, which were developed in order to address the so-called measurement problem in quantum theory have, in the past, been framed in a nonrelativistic setting and in that form they were previously applied to the black hole information problem. Here, and for the first time, we show in a simple toy model, a treatment of the problem within a fully relativistic setting. We also discuss the issues that the present analysis leaves as open problems to be dealt with in future refinements of the present approach.

DOI
10.1103/physrevd.94.045009

Related papers

Nonparadoxical loss of information in black hole evaporation in a quantum collapse model

Sujoy K. Modak, L. Ortíz, Igor Peña +1 more

We consider a novel approach to address the black hole information paradox. The idea is based on adapting, to the situation at hand, the modified versions of quantum theory involving spontaneous stochastic dynamical collapse of quantum states, which have been considered in attempts to deal with shortcomings of the standard Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, in particular, the issue known as ``the measurement problem.'' The new basic hypothesis is that the modified quantum behavior is enhanced in the region of high curvature so that the information encoded in the initial quantum state of the matter fields is rapidly erased as the black hole singularity is approached. We show that in this manner the complete evaporation of the black hole via Hawking radiation can be understood as involving no paradox. Calculations are performed using a modified version of quantum theory known as ``continuous spontaneous localization'' (CSL), which was originally developed in the context of many-particle nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. We use a version of CSL tailored to quantum field theory and applied in the context of the two -dimensional Callan-Giddings-Harvey-Strominger model. Although the role of quantum gravity in this picture is restricted to the resolution of the singularity, related studies suggest that there might be further connections.

arXiv:1408.3062•Physical review. D. Particles, fields, gravitation, and cosmology/Physical review. D. Particles and fields•Jun 2, 2015•72 citations

Collapse of the wavefunction, the information paradox and backreaction

Sujoy K. Modak, Daniel Sudarsky

We consider the black hole information problem within the context of collapse theories in a scheme that allows the incorporation of the backreaction to the Hawking radiation. We explore the issue in a setting of the two dimensional version of black hole evaporation known as the Russo-Susskind-Thorlacius model. We summarize the general ideas based on the semiclassical version of Einstein’s equations and then discuss specific modifications that are required in the context of collapse theories when applied to this model.

arXiv:1711.01509•The European Physical Journal C•Jul 1, 2018•7 citations

The Weight of Collapse: Dynamical Reduction Models in General Relativistic Contexts

Shan Gao

Inspired by possible connections between gravity and foundational question in quantum theory, we consider an approach for the adaptation of objective collapse models to a general relativistic context. We apply these ideas to a list of open problems in cosmology and quantum gravity, such as the emergence of seeds of cosmic structure, the black hole information issue, the problem of time in quantum gravity and, in a more speculative manner, to the nature of dark energy and the origin of the very special initial state of the universe. We conclude that objective collapse models offer a rather promising path to deal with all of these issues.

arXiv:1701.02963•Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 20, 2018•6 citations

Relativistic state reduction model

Daniel Bedingham

In order to address the measurement problem of quantum theory we make the assumption that quantum state reduction should be regarded as a genuine physical process deserving of a dynamical description. Generalizing the nonrelativistic spontaneous localization models of Ghirardi, Rimini, Weber, and Pearle, a relativistic state reduction mechanism is proposed. The mechanism involves nonlinear stochastic modifications to the standard description of unitary state evolution and the introduction of a mediating field to facilitate smearing of quantum field interactions.

•Jan 1, 2011•20 citations

A Flash-Based Relativistic Collapse Model for Quantum Fields

Nicolò Piccione

Spontaneous collapse models provide a possible, testable solution to the quantum measurement problem, but constructing a relativistic version applicable to quantum field theory remains an important open challenge. Challenges in constructing relativistic collapse models include avoiding superluminal signaling and foliation dependence, controlling energy production, and ensuring vacuum stability. Here, we present a relativistic collapse framework that addresses these problems at the cost of introducing a new space of physical states, whose complete characterization is left open. A modified, history-dependent Aharonov--Albert prescription describes instantaneous nonlocal state updates on arbitrary spacelike foliations while preserving foliation independence. To ensure vacuum stability, we modify the standard unitary evolution through a prescription that we name dynamical vacuum subtraction. The resulting dynamical map is linear and trace-preserving but not positive on the full set of standard density operators. We establish no-signaling by proving microscopic parameter independence, and identify conditions under which standard nonrelativistic collapse dynamics are recovered. Finally, we apply our framework to a free massive scalar field, obtaining finite particle-number and energy-increase rates at leading order in the long-time regime, together with further promising evidence for the consistency of the framework.

quant-pharXiv:2610.10980•Oct 9, 2026•0 citations

Relativistic state reduction model

Daniel Bedingham

In order to address the measurement problem of quantum theory we make the assumption that quantum state reduction should be regarded as a genuine physical process deserving of a dynamical description. Generalizing the nonrelativistic spontaneous localization models of Ghirardi, Rimini, Weber, and Pearle, a relativistic state reduction mechanism is proposed. The mechanism involves nonlinear stochastic modifications to the standard description of unitary state evolution and the introduction of a mediating field to facilitate smearing of quantum field interactions.

arXiv:1103.3974•Journal of Physics Conference Series•Jul 8, 2011•23 citations
We study a proposal for the resolution of the black hole information puzzle within the context of modified versions of quantum theory involving spontaneous reduction of the quantum state. The theories of this kind, which were developed in order to address the so-called measurement problem in quantum theory have, in the past, been framed in a nonrelativistic setting and in that form they were previously applied to the black hole information problem. Here, and for the first time, we show in a simple toy model, a treatment of the problem within a fully relativistic setting. We also discuss the issues that the present analysis leaves as open problems to be dealt with in future refinements of the present approach.
We consider a novel approach to address the black hole information paradox. The idea is based on adapting, to the situation at hand, the modified versions of quantum theory involving spontaneous stochastic dynamical collapse of quantum states, which have been considered in attempts to deal with shortcomings of the standard Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, in particular, the issue known as ``the measurement problem.'' The new basic hypothesis is that the modified quantum behavior is enhanced in the region of high curvature so that the information encoded in the initial quantum state of the matter fields is rapidly erased as the black hole singularity is approached. We show that in this manner the complete evaporation of the black hole via Hawking radiation can be understood as involving no paradox. Calculations are performed using a modified version of quantum theory known as ``continuous spontaneous localization'' (CSL), which was originally developed in the context of many-particle nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. We use a version of CSL tailored to quantum field theory and applied in the context of the two -dimensional Callan-Giddings-Harvey-Strominger model. Although the role of quantum gravity in this picture is restricted to the resolution of the singularity, related studies suggest that there might be further connections.
We consider the black hole information problem within the context of collapse theories in a scheme that allows the incorporation of the backreaction to the Hawking radiation. We explore the issue in a setting of the two dimensional version of black hole evaporation known as the Russo-Susskind-Thorlacius model. We summarize the general ideas based on the semiclassical version of Einstein’s equations and then discuss specific modifications that are required in the context of collapse theories when applied to this model.
Inspired by possible connections between gravity and foundational question in quantum theory, we consider an approach for the adaptation of objective collapse models to a general relativistic context. We apply these ideas to a list of open problems in cosmology and quantum gravity, such as the emergence of seeds of cosmic structure, the black hole information issue, the problem of time in quantum gravity and, in a more speculative manner, to the nature of dark energy and the origin of the very special initial state of the universe. We conclude that objective collapse models offer a rather promising path to deal with all of these issues.
In order to address the measurement problem of quantum theory we make the assumption that quantum state reduction should be regarded as a genuine physical process deserving of a dynamical description. Generalizing the nonrelativistic spontaneous localization models of Ghirardi, Rimini, Weber, and Pearle, a relativistic state reduction mechanism is proposed. The mechanism involves nonlinear stochastic modifications to the standard description of unitary state evolution and the introduction of a mediating field to facilitate smearing of quantum field interactions.
Spontaneous collapse models provide a possible, testable solution to the quantum measurement problem, but constructing a relativistic version applicable to quantum field theory remains an important open challenge. Challenges in constructing relativistic collapse models include avoiding superluminal signaling and foliation dependence, controlling energy production, and ensuring vacuum stability. Here, we present a relativistic collapse framework that addresses these problems at the cost of introducing a new space of physical states, whose complete characterization is left open. A modified, history-dependent Aharonov--Albert prescription describes instantaneous nonlocal state updates on arbitrary spacelike foliations while preserving foliation independence. To ensure vacuum stability, we modify the standard unitary evolution through a prescription that we name dynamical vacuum subtraction. The resulting dynamical map is linear and trace-preserving but not positive on the full set of standard density operators. We establish no-signaling by proving microscopic parameter independence, and identify conditions under which standard nonrelativistic collapse dynamics are recovered. Finally, we apply our framework to a free massive scalar field, obtaining finite particle-number and energy-increase rates at leading order in the long-time regime, together with further promising evidence for the consistency of the framework.
In order to address the measurement problem of quantum theory we make the assumption that quantum state reduction should be regarded as a genuine physical process deserving of a dynamical description. Generalizing the nonrelativistic spontaneous localization models of Ghirardi, Rimini, Weber, and Pearle, a relativistic state reduction mechanism is proposed. The mechanism involves nonlinear stochastic modifications to the standard description of unitary state evolution and the introduction of a mediating field to facilitate smearing of quantum field interactions.