Horizons in 2+1-dimensional collapse of particles

Abstract

A simple, geometrical construction is given for three-dimensional spacetimes with negative cosmological constant that contain two particles colliding head-on. Depending on parameters like particle masses and distance, the combined geometry will the that of a particle, or of a black hole. In the black hole case the horizon is calculated. It is found that that the horizon typically starts at a point and spreads into a closed curve with corners, which propagate along spacelike caustics and disappear as the horizon passes the particles.