Nonlocal correlations of a test quantum field in gravitational collapse
Phys. Rev. D 112, 124020 – Published 4 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/f6yv-gzn7
Abstract
Quantum correlations across the horizon could be pivotal in resolving the puzzles surrounding the quantum aspects of black holes and the Hawking radiation. The peaks in the equal time correlation function are typically attributed to entangled particle excitations. In this work, we have investigated the evolution of correlations of a test quantum field on a dynamical background spacetime undergoing a gravitational collapse. In the case of a supercritical collapse, as the black hole and its horizon forms, correlated peaks are seen to appear across the horizon, representing an entangled Hawking pair. The outside peak moves away from the horizon as the system evolves, possibly representing outgoing Hawking flux. Implications of these nonlocal correlations are discussed in the light of the information paradox, quantum atmosphere and analog black holes.
