Gravitational atoms from topological stars
Phys. Rev. D 113, 084058 – Published 28 April, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/d1sr-qklw
Abstract
We study the bound states of a massive scalar field around a topological star and show that these are strictly normal modes. This yields a genuine gravitational atom, sharply distinguishing horizonless objects from black holes. We show that the modes are controlled by the field’s Compton wavelength compared to the size of the star. When the Compton wavelength is large, the field forms a cloud with a hydrogenlike spectrum, while in the opposite regime it is localized along timelike trajectories. When the two scales are comparable the spectrum becomes richer, and we characterize it in detail allowing the field to carry electric charge and Kaluza-Klein momentum.
