Scientific Colloquium
March 20, 2009
GARY HOROWITZ
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA
"Quantum Black Holes"
Black holes are a continuing
source of mystery. Although their classical properties have been
understood since the 1970's, their quantum properties raise some of the
deepest questions in theoretical physics. Some of these questions have
recently been answered using string theory. I will review these
fundamental questions, and the aspects of string theory needed to
answer them. I will then explain the recent developments and new
insights into black holes that they provide. Some puzzles remain, and I
will discuss the prospects for further progress.