Higher-Derivative Corrections to Reissner--Nordström Black Holes from Worldline QFT

Abstract

In this paper we derived the corrections to the Reissner-Nordström black hole when higher-derivative $RF^2$ terms (contractions of the Riemann tensor with the Maxwell field strength squared) are added to the Einstein-Maxwell action. Such terms arise naturally in the context of effective field theories. We used wordline QFT methods to obtain the leading order post-Minkowskian corrections. We verified these results by solving the modified Einstein-Maxwell field equations in closed form, to all orders in Newton's constant $G$. We discussed the first law and computed the entropy of the perturbed black holes. The extremal black hole temperature is non-negative precisely when the weak gravity conjecture is satisfied. This condition on the extremal black hole temperature rules out Drummond-Hathrell theory.