Synthetic Black Hole Event Horizon Created in UK Laboratory

Physics.In summary, researchers at St. Andrews University in Scotland have developed a way to simulate an event horizon of a black hole in a laboratory setting using lasers and optical fiber. This could potentially allow for the testing of the theoretical phenomenon of Hawking Radiation, and increase Stephen Hawking's chances of winning the Nobel Prize. This discovery was published in Nature Physics and can be found on arxiv.org.
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SF
Researchers at St. Andrews University, Scotland, claim to have found a way to simulate an event horizon of a black hole - not through a new cosmic observation technique, and not by a high powered supercomputer… but in the laboratory. Using lasers, a length of optical fiber and depending on some bizarre quantum mechanics, a "singularity" may be created to alter a laser's wavelength, synthesizing the effects of an event horizon. If this experiment can produce an event horizon, the theoretical phenomenon of Hawking Radiation may be tested, perhaps giving Stephen Hawking the best chance yet of winning the Nobel Prize.

http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/13/synthetic-black-hole-event-horizon-created-in-uk-laboratory/
 
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SF said:
Researchers at St. Andrews University, Scotland, claim to have found a way to simulate an event horizon of a black hole - not through a new cosmic observation technique, and not by a high powered supercomputer… but in the laboratory. Using lasers, a length of optical fiber and depending on some bizarre quantum mechanics, a "singularity" may be created to alter a laser's wavelength, synthesizing the effects of an event horizon. If this experiment can produce an event horizon, the theoretical phenomenon of Hawking Radiation may be tested, perhaps giving Stephen Hawking the best chance yet of winning the Nobel Prize.

http://www.universetoday.com/2008/02/13/synthetic-black-hole-event-horizon-created-in-uk-laboratory/
Just came across this item, http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37088877
 
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See http://arxiv.org/abs/1409.6550, Observation of self-amplifying Hawking radiation in an analog black hole laser for the arxiv version of the paper that appeared in Nature
 
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Related to Synthetic Black Hole Event Horizon Created in UK Laboratory

1. What is a "synthetic black hole event horizon"?

A synthetic black hole event horizon is an artificially created boundary in a laboratory setting that mimics the properties of a black hole's event horizon. It is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that not even light can escape.

2. How was this synthetic black hole event horizon created?

The scientists in the UK laboratory used a specialized type of laser called a "high-intensity laser" to create a plasma of electrons and positrons (antimatter particles). They then studied the behavior of these particles as they interacted with the laser, ultimately creating the synthetic event horizon.

3. What are the potential applications of this discovery?

This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the physics of black holes, which could have implications in various fields such as astrophysics, cosmology, and even technology. It could also help scientists test and improve current theories and models about the behavior of matter in extreme conditions.

4. Is this synthetic black hole event horizon the same as a real black hole's event horizon?

No, this synthetic event horizon is not exactly the same as a real black hole's event horizon. While it may share similar properties, it is much smaller and has a shorter lifespan. Additionally, it is created in a controlled laboratory setting, whereas a black hole's event horizon is a natural phenomenon in space.

5. What are the potential risks of creating a synthetic black hole event horizon?

There are currently no known risks associated with creating a synthetic black hole event horizon in a laboratory setting. The scientists involved in this experiment took all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and their surroundings. However, it is important to continue studying and researching this discovery to fully understand its potential effects.

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