Proton decay and the quantum structure of space–time

Virtual black holes in noncommutative space–time are investigated using coordinate coherent state formalism such that the event horizon of a black hole is manipulated by smearing it with a Gaussian of width [Formula: see text], where θ is the noncommutativity parameter. Proton lifetime, the main associated phenomenology of the noncommutative virtual black holes, has been studied, first in four-dimensional space–time and then generalized to D dimensions. The lifetime depends on θ and the number of space–time dimensions such that it emphasizes on the measurement of proton lifetime as a potential probe for the microstructure of space–time.

ER = EPR and non-perturbative action integrals for quantum gravity

In this paper, we construct and calculate non-perturbative path integrals in a multiply-connected spacetime. This is done by summing over homotopy classes of paths. The topology of the spacetime is defined by Einstein–Rosen bridges (ERB) forming from the entanglement of quantum foam described by virtual black holes. As these “bubbles” are entangled, they are connected by Planckian ERBs because of the [Formula: see text] conjecture. Hence, the spacetime will possess a large first Betti number [Formula: see text]. For any compact 2-surface in the spacetime, the topology (in particular the homotopy) of that surface is non-trivial due to the large number of Planckian ERBs that define homotopy through this surface. The quantization of spacetime with this topology — along with the proper choice of the 2-surfaces — is conjectured to allow non-perturbative path integrals of quantum gravity theory over the spacetime manifold.

VIRTUAL BLACK HOLES AND THE S-MATRIX

A brief review on virtual black holes is presented, with special emphasis on phenomenologically relevant issues like their influence on scattering or on the specific heat of (real) black holes. Regarding theoretical topics, the results important for (the avoidance of) information loss are summarized. After recalling Hawking's Euclidean notion of virtual black holes and a Minkowskian notion which emerged in studies of 2D models, the importance of virtual black holes for scattering experiments is addressed. Among the key features is that virtual black holes tend to regularize divergences of quantum field theory and that a unitary S-matrix may be constructed. Also, the thermodynamical behavior of real evaporating black holes may be ameliorated by interactions with virtual black holes. Open experimental and theoretical challenges are mentioned briefly.