Black Hole Physics: Basic Concepts and New Developments: 96 (Fundamental Theories of Physics, 96) - Softcover

Frolov, V.; Novikov, I.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0792351460 ISBN 13: 9780792351467

Publisher: Springer, 1998

Synopsis

It is not an exaggeration to say that one of the most exciting predictions of Einstein's theory of gravitation is that there may exist "black holes": putative objects whose gravitational fields are so strong that no physical bodies or signals can break free of their pull and escape. The proof that black holes do exist, and an analysis of their properties, would have a significance going far beyond astrophysics. Indeed, what is involved is not just the discovery of yet another even if extremely remarkable, astro­ physical object, but a test of the correctness of our understanding of the properties of space and time in extremely strong gravitational fields. Theoretical research into the properties of black holes, and into the possible corol­ laries of the hypothesis that they exist, has been carried out with special vigor since the beginning of the 1970's. In addition to those specific features of black holes that are important for the interpretation of their possible astrophysical manifestations, the theory has revealed a number of unexpected characteristics of physical interactions involving black holes. By the middle of the 1980's a fairly detailed understanding had been achieved of the properties of the black holes, their possible astrophysical manifestations, and the specifics of the various physical processes involved. Even though a completely reliable detection of a black hole had not yet been made at that time, several objects among those scrutinized by astrophysicists were considered as strong candidates to be confirmed as being black holes.

About this title

Review

`What Frolov and Novikov's book does is present a relatively clear, encyclopedic disussion... its range is impressive... recommend [it] to any graduate student with a grounding in general relativity and an interest in gravitational physics or astrophysics... Frolov and Novikov's book does a very good job in explaing what we know about [black holes] today.'
Physics Today (July 2000)
3

Synopsis

This volume on black holes can be seen as a sequel to "Physics of Black Holes", published by Kluwer Academic Publishers in 1989. The authors are recognised experts in their field, and have many years' experience in teaching courses on general relativity and black holes. The present work covers practically all aspects of black hole physics and its astrophysical applications. Among the topics treated in depth are: spacetime of stationary black holes, general theory of black holes, black hole perturbations, black hole numerics, black hole electrodynamics, black holes in unified theories of gravity, quantum black holes, final states of evaporating black holes and the information loss puzzle.Special attention is paid to the role of black holes in astrophysics and observational evidence of black hole existence. Many exotic subjects linked with black holes, such as white holes, wormholes, and time machines are discussed in detail. Numerous appendices cover mathematical aspects of general relativity and black holes and quantum field theory in curved space time. This makes the book practically self-contained.

Extensive references provide the reader with a guide to the literature in this field. This book will be of interest to researchers and postgraduate students whose work involves relativity and gravitation, statistical physics, thermodynamics, active galactic nuclei and stellar physics.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792351460
• ISBN 13: 9780792351467
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 791