Can Microscopic Black Holes Be Used to Safely Emit Light?

In summary, spontaneous creation of small black holes would emit x-rays and gamma radiation, but it is possible to protect people from these emissions.
  • #1
Mark Barek
2
0
Wow! Thanks to all for this great resource.

Would it be possible to cast light harmlessly by spontaneously creating microscopic black holes of small enough mass? Or would you necessarily get high-frequency X and gamma radiation along with visible light?
 
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  • #2
How would you go about "spontaneously" creating micro black holes?
 
  • #3
Nothing stops a bunch of particles/energy from converging to form a black hole afaik.
They're just much more likely to fly off in random directions.
But completely ignoring the improbability of such a random convergence, what would the characteristics of Hawking radiation be like for a bystander?
I think you'd end up being irradiated, but maybe not. . . .
 
  • #4
The Wikipedia article is juust right.
 
  • #5
Can't whatever magic you are using to create these mini-black holes protect people?
 
  • #6
Mini black holes can't exist (in reality) through some principle or another. Don't quite remember the details.

Anyway, Hawking radiation is so minute and infrequent that just living on Earth is much more irradiating.
 
  • #7
You would necessarily get x-rays, sure.
I understand that Hawking radiation has black body spectrum. Except that it gets hotter as it burns out. So a black hole that casts mostly visible light will also produce a small amount of ultraviolet in the Wien tail. As it burns out, its temperature rises, so by the time it gives off mostly x-rays, it still has the Rayleigh tail in visual remaining. Only by that time its total power is high and remaining mass to burn is low, thus the total x-ray and gamma output in the end is small compared to total visual and IR and near UV output over long time in the beginning.

You could plan to dump your black hole lamps to somewhere safe by the time they are burning out and giving off x-rays.
What is the power and duration of a black hole emitting visible Hawking radiation?
 
  • #8
Mark Barek said:
Wow! Thanks to all for this great resource.

Would it be possible to cast light harmlessly by spontaneously creating microscopic black holes of small enough mass? Or would you necessarily get high-frequency X and gamma radiation along with visible light?
If you are asking about a story you are writing, you posted in the wrong forum. This forum is for
Discussion on science fiction and fantasy topics. SciFi and fantasy movies, TV, books, comics, art, games and culture!

If you are writing a story, this thread does not meet the rules for posting in the writing section.
 

Related to Can Microscopic Black Holes Be Used to Safely Emit Light?

What is Hawking radiation?

Hawking radiation is a theoretical concept proposed by physicist Stephen Hawking. It suggests that black holes emit a type of radiation as a result of quantum effects near the event horizon, the point of no return for matter and light entering the black hole.

Is Hawking radiation real?

The existence of Hawking radiation has not been confirmed through direct observation, but the theory behind it is widely accepted in the scientific community. Several observations have provided evidence for its existence, such as the loss of mass in black holes over time.

Can Hawking radiation kill you?

No, Hawking radiation is not considered lethal. The amount of radiation emitted by black holes is incredibly small and would have no significant impact on living beings.

What is the impact of Hawking radiation on black holes?

Hawking radiation has a significant impact on black holes, as it causes them to lose mass over time. This process is known as "Hawking evaporation" and is thought to play a role in the ultimate fate of black holes.

Could Hawking radiation be used as a source of energy?

Theoretically, yes. Hawking radiation could be harnessed to extract energy from black holes. However, the amount of energy that could be harvested would be incredibly small and would require extremely advanced technology.

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