The Attractor Mechanism in Five Dimensions

Abstract

We give a pedagogical introduction to the attractor mechanism. We begin by developing the formalism for the simplest example of spherically symmetric black holes in five dimensions which preserve supersymmetry. We then discuss the refinements needed when spherical symmetry is relaxed. This is motivated by rotating black holes and, especially, black rings. An introduction to non-BPS attractors is included, as is a discussion of thermodynamic interpretations of the attractor mechanism.