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arXiv:1402.5674hep-th

Computational Complexity and Black Hole Horizons

Leonard Susskind

Abstract

Computational complexity is essential to understanding the properties of black hole horizons. The problem of Alice creating a firewall behind the horizon of Bob's black hole is a problem of computational complexity. In general we find that while creating firewalls is possible, it is extremely difficult and probably impossible for black holes that form in sudden collapse, and then evaporate. On the other hand if the radiation is bottled up then after an exponentially long period of time firewalls may be common. It is possible that gravity will provide tools to study problems of complexity; especially the range of complexity between scrambling and exponential complexity.

arXiv comments
44 pages, 18 figures
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
hep-thHigh Energy Physics, Theory gr-qcGeneral Relativity and Quantum Cosmology quant-phQuantum Physics

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Linked by 2 identifiable commenters in 2 comments across 2 threads, from Apr 2014 to Jun 2016.

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    • So, is there a physical effect that cares about computational complexity? Or a phenomenon in which it matters that we can simulate it in "only" O(n^100), not O(2^n)? Firewalls[1,2], for starters. [1] http://arxiv.org/abs/1301.4504v4 [2] http://arxiv.org/abs/1402.5674

      gone35View on HNParent context

    • > What’s more, there are recent developments in quantum gravity that seem to support the opposite conclusion: that is, they hint that a standard quantum computer could efficiently simulate even quantum-gravitational processes, like the formation and evaporation of black holes.…

      dmunozView on HNParent context

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