Quantum Non-Gravity and Stellar Collapse

Abstract

Observational indications combined with analyses of analogue and emergent gravity in condensed matter systems support the possibility that there might be two distinct energy scales related to quantum gravity: the scale that sets the onset of quantum gravitational effects EB (related to the Planck scale) and the much higher scale ELsignalling the breaking of Lorentz symmetry. We suggest a natural interpretation for these two scales: EL is the energy scale below which a special relativistic spacetime emerges, EB is the scale below which this spacetime geometry becomes curved. This implies that the first 'quantum' gravitational effect around EB could simply be that gravity is progressively switched off, leaving an effective Minkowski quantum field theory up to much higher energies of the order of EL.This scenario may have important consequences for gravitational collapse, inasmuch as it opens up new possibilities for the final state of stellar collapse other than an evaporating black hole. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.