Quantum hoop conjecture: Black hole formation by particle collisions

Understand

We address the issue of (quantum) black hole formation by particle collision in quantum physics.

• We start by constructing the horizon wave-function for quantum mechanical states representing two highly boosted non-interacting particles that collide in flat one-dimensional space.
• From this wave-function, we then derive a probability that the system becomes a black hole as a function of the initial momenta and spatial separation between the particles.
• This probability allows us to extend the hoop conjecture to quantum mechanics and estimate corrections to its classical counterpart.