Horizon Operator Approach to Black Hole Quantization

Abstract

The $S$-matrix Ansatz for the construction of a quantum theory of black holes is further exploited. We first note that treating the metric tensor $g_{\m\n}$ as an operator rather than a background allows us to use a setting where information is not lost. But then we also observe that the 'trans-Planckian' particles (particles with kinetic energies beyond the Planck energy) need to be addressed. It is now postulated that they can be transformed into 'cis-Planckian particles' (having energies less that the Planck energy). This requires the existence of a delicate algebra of operators defined at a black hole horizon. Operators describing ingoing particles are mapped onto operators describing outgoing ones, preserving their commutator algebra. At short distance, the transverse gravitational back reaction dictates a discrete lattice of data points, and at large distance the algebra must reproduce known interactions of the Standard Model of elementary particles. It is suggested that further elaboration of these ideas requiring complete agreement with general relativity and unitarity should lead to severe restrictions concerning the inter-particle interactions.